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.

 

 

Pike Place Express Market Returns to Pioneer Square

Farmers market shoppers

It’s back! The Pike Place Market Express Market has returned to Pioneer Square for a second year, making fresh produce easily accessible throughout the entire summer! The Express markets bring the Market’s fresh, local produce to Seattle residents and workers via “pop-up” markets one-day a week from June to the first week of October. Fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers and more are available weekly. You can sign up for a weekly “fresh sheet” update here and information regarding each week’s farmers and other news will be sent directly to your inbox.

The Express Market also offers a Fresh Bucks Program and SNAP, making fresh produce more accessible for everyone.

Occidental Park, Pioneer Square
Wednesdays, 10 AM – 2 PM
S Main St & Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 

http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/express-markets

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Occidental Park Programming Suggestions

Dan Biederman, of Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, is the force behind the revitalization of Bryant Park in New York.  The Alliance for Pioneer Square began working with Dan and his staff in April to develop a business and activation plan for Occidental Park. Our partners include The Seattle Parks Foundation, Friends of Waterfront Seattle, the Downtown Seattle Association and the Metropolitan Improvement District, and the City of Seattle Parks and Planning and Development.

This work was generously funded by the RD Merrill Company, with many hours of staff time from the Alliance and partner organizations. Dan and staff were in the neighborhood this week meeting with stakeholders. We expect to receive the first draft of a plan in the coming weeks. Since so many of you have asked, we are sharing their most recent presentation here.