Tons of Basalt!

The main goal of the Eli’s Park Project over the past six years has been to listen to our community and create a space that is physically and socially accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone. We think we’ve hit the mark with the design and construction of Pathways Park!

(Team members exploring one of the many loads of basalt delivered by Selland Construction.)

So often natural environments aren’t accessible to people who rely on mobility and assistive devices to get around. And so often accessible parks and play areas are mostly devoid of nature. If there’s anything we can all agree on in the PNW it’s that we love our nature! We knew a truly inclusive park, meant for everyone, would have to be nature-based and accessible. Fortunately, our wonderfully creative team of landscape architects have found so many innovative ways to incorporate natural elements and materials without comprising accessibility.

One element of the design we’re really excited about all that basalt! We received a super generous offer to take as much basalt as we could use from a supporter's property in Eastern Washington. But, transporting rocks across the mountain passes requires lots of planning and work, heavy duty equipment, an experienced team and multiple loads.

Selland Construction made it possible for us to accept and include so much beautiful basalt into the project by volunteering their time and resources to coordinate, pick up and transport over 100 tons of basalt to our construction site. It's being used in a variety of ways from seating, to structure, to custom play features.

Thank you so much, Selland Construction, for being friends of the project and for literally delivering tons of natural beauty to our community.

Today is the Day

Renovations on Pathways Park are starting today!

So many of us have come together to build an inclusive community, a common vision and a plan for a park for us all. And today, over six years and $6 million dollars later, the actual building begins!

We are super lucky to add Bayshore Construction to our team to lead the renovations. Their experience is matched by their enthusiasm and we're grateful that the future of Pathways Park is in such capable, committed hands.

It will be challenging to have the park closed during construction. When you see those chain link fences, close your eyes and picture the rainbow snags, sensory garden, treehouse, custom art pieces, parallel pathways and so much more. Remember that soon, the entire park will be accessible to us all. Wave to our contractors, smile at each other and hop on the Burke-Gilman Trail to explore new parks and play areas. It's going to be worth the wait!

Check out the blog by our partners at Seattle Parks and Recreation for more information and for nearby park recommendations.

Cheers!

Come raise a glass with us!

Drop into The Conservatory, Ravenna Brewing’s beautiful new event space, on March 19th anytime between 3-7 to celebrate the upcoming groundbreaking on Pathways Park.

A huge thanks to Ravenna Brewing for generously donating their space and for donating $1 from every pint sold of Pathways Park IPA. All money raised will kick off our Friends of Pathways Park fund which will support the care and community of the renovated park.

More Details:

• There will be sodas and light snacks for our underage and sober supporters.

• Bring warm layers as we’ll keep the large garage door open for the duration of the event for the safety and wellness of our community. (There is an outdoor covered area and heated indoor space.)

• All are most welcome and wanted!