Lake Forest Park finalizes purchase of 5 Acre Woods - now to pay for it

5 Acre Woods

In September, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) accepted the City of Lake Forest Park’s $1 million purchase offer for two adjoining, undeveloped parcels near the intersection of 40th Place NE and 45th Place NE, at approximately the 19000 block.

On Friday, December 15, 2017, the City took ownership of the 5.6 acres known as "5 Acre Woods.".

In partnership with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, planning is underway to create an urban forest park with trails and an outdoor education space.

The city borrowed from a capital improvement budget to make the purchase and will be paid back with donations.

Grants, pledges, and donations now account for roughly two-thirds of the million dollar cost, including more than $500,000 in grants awarded from King County. The City will seek funding from the state.

During the final push to encourage the City to purchase the forest, the Stewardship Foundation made an agreement to raise funds for the shortfall. If these funds are not raised by late 2018, the City could put a portion of the land up for sale for sale for development.

The Stewardship Foundation reached its first fundraising goal and is now calling for the pledges to come in.

They have expressed great appreciation for the support of the community and are asking for continued financial and volunteer support to help make the park a reality. 

"We have raised over $135,000 to date" and "will need more individual donations to help meet the shortfall."

The Stewardship website has contact information, suggestions for raising funds, and information for making donations, including an online donation site.

Volunteer work parties will begin soon to remove invasive ivy from the trees in the park. They will provide tools and training. If you'd like to join in, email the Stewardship Foundation to join the volunteer list.