A few years back I was working in the Eastlake neighborhood. I walked to work almost every day, down the stairclimb, across the treacherous I-5 onramp, and down the hill to the startup by the lake. One morning there was a flyer posted at the top of the stairclimb – an Eastlake neighbor was looking for assistance getting city funding. The goal? Transform the blackberry and beer infested patch of dirt underneath the freeway into a park.
I signed up to help. I posted petitions, gathered signatures, attended a few city meeetings, wrote a truckload of letters to local officials… Cnce, I was on the evening news – with my bicycle – talking about how bike and pedestrian unfriendly the crossing was and how great it would be if the Eastlake and Cap Hill neighborhoods, divided by I-5, could be connected again.
Today when I got home from yoga, there was a message on my machine from Chris, that Eastlake neighbor, asking me if I could attend the opening of the park this weekend. He said he really appreciated my work and wanted to introduce me at the festivities! I was touched and honored by that, though I’m not really sure I deserve any recognition. Writing down what I did, makes it seem significant, but it didn’t feel like much at all.
Still, it’s a very sweet success! It’s just like that Talking Heads song: “This was a parking lot, now it’s a peaceful oasis!” This used to be thorns and trash, now it’s all covered with bike trails. That’s exactly how it is.
If you’re in Seattle this weekend, buzz by Colonnade Park and take a look. I helped make that! I couldn’t be more proud.
As you should be! Awesome, Pam! (Will you post photos of it??)
I remember walking that way with you occasionally! Or driving by the spot as we carpooled to that stupid job. There was an article about this park a short while back in the PI… http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/250696_park03.html. I really need to check it out.