Friends of Aldercrest to speak to Shoreline Parks Board

On February 25, from 7 - 8 pm, Friends of Aldercrest will be giving a short presentation to the Shoreline City Parks Board in Council Chambers at Shoreline City Hall.

According to spokesperson Nancy Moreyra, This is not a "no-jail" rally. "Even though the Parks and Rec is a city department, the Shoreline Parks and Rec had no part in the jail-site selection. The board is comprised of citizens like you and me and are wanting to hear from us regarding Aldercrest Annex as a community park."

The presentation asks the Parks board to support the addition of Aldercrest Annex (Old Kellogg Middle School on NE 200th) to Shoreline's PROS plan. Shoreline's PROS (Parks Rec and Open Space) plan identifies the northeast corner of Shoreline, namely Ballinger Neighborhood, as lacking adequate park facilities to serve the community. Friends of Aldercrest wants the Parks Board to acknowledge this gap and support a resolution encouraging the city and school district to start working towards a solution. Nearby Lake Forest Park residents would also benefit and residents are welcome to participate.

Aldercrest Annex has served the surrounding communities as a park for nearly 50 years - almost as long as the school has existed. Right now, it is the only place in the area kids can go to play baseball, soccer, fly planes, or just run across an open field. Population density in the area is increasing and demand for parks and open spaces will likewise increase.

  
Currently, Aldercrest Annex is being held up by the NEC municipal jail project. With the completion of the environmental impact statement later in 2010, it may be dropped from the list of possible jail sites. This presentation is an opportunity to encourage the city and school district to adopt a plan for the city to acquire Aldercrest Annex property as a park.

Photos courtesy of Friends of Aldercrest