Parks & Gateways Project Jumps a Hurdle

Pioneer Square's parks and gateways

Working with a dynamic group of volunteers, the Alliance submitted a grant request to hire a consultant to lead the neighborhood through a process to create a concept plan for our eleven parks and gateways. Our end goal is to then develop a master design plan for one of them. The grant application was submitted to the City’s Department of Neighborhoods (DON) for $100,000.

We recently learned that DON’s Citywide Review Team made a recommendation to the Mayor, City Council and the City Neighborhood Council to make the full award. Barring any unforeseen disapproval, we’re cautiously optimistic we’ll be funded in the autumn.

The idea for the project was inspired in part by an event led by the Seattle Parks Foundation. Foundation staff conducted a parks assessment tour for community members, City staff and Alliance staff last spring. The analysis suggested environmental design could help our parks feel safer and rethinking our gateways could help visitors recognize they’re entering a grand historic district.

The Alliance appreciates the opportunity the DON grant would provide. Our neighborhood thrives when our community works together. This project will work to bring out the best in the neighborhood.