Negative Space Write-Up

Brite Collective just posted a write-up on their Park(ing) Day charette, Negative Space.


[image from Ladies and Gentleman]

McGinn Sustainability and Built Environment Fundraiser, 10/12

While this blog typically focuses on one small part of Seattle's urban fabric, it's worthwhile to step back from time to time and consider the political and economic context in which this half-acre of "prime real estate" has been left vacant.

As you might know, my interest in the lot arose not out of nostalgia for the bars and restaurants that once occupied the space -- I didn't spend much time there -- but, rather, the fact that such a popular and vibrant strip was being changed for, in my opinion, the worst (meaning a condo project that would cater to an entirely different demographic). Now the economic situation has paused the previous development trajectory and we here at PPL are trying to make the best of the situation (and perhaps find a way to influence what happens here in the future?).

Meanwhile, there's a mayoral election coming up, and one of the candidates' platform addresses many of PPL's concerns, namely a vibrant, livable, and sustainable urban environment. Of course I'm talking about Mike McGinn and am honored to be one of the hosts for his Sustainability and Built Environment fundraiser that's coming up on October 12th.

You should come; here's the facebook invitation.

More Park(ing) Day Photos

Thanks to Sean at Worldchanging for this gallery, as well as links to photos of Capitol Hill Parks here, and a few downtown here.


[Photo by Sean Conroe. This neighborhood needs more kids -- Keith]

Park(ing) Day Photos

I'm running a bit behind but here is a small gallery of photos from various photographers that came to the Park(ing) Day Central Park. Beneath their photos you will find links to their sites.


An Office Nomad shows his poetic side at the Seattle Arts and Lectures park (photo from the SAL Flickr set.)


A gentleman (I believe this is Michael Seiwerath, a longtime contributor to the cultural life of Seattle) participates in SAL's group painting (photo from the SAL Flickr set.)


A pair of neighborhood folks utilizes SVR's very popular ping-pong table.


Signage for Brite Collective's biographical field sketch, Negative Space.


A quick game of turtle tag after nightfall.


Beware, this man will play your confessions on Hollow Earth Radio (image from Cojourn).


Yours truly reads a bit of, um, literature in his Suburban Backyard (yes, that's whitebread and a jug of Carlo Rossi you see; there's a Will Smith CD too) (image from Cojourn).


My favorite photo of all, thanks to Scott at Cojourn, is of Susan from Office Nomads barely missing a three-point bean bag shot in my aforementioned Suburban Backyard.


Members of the grand prize winners, Signal to Noise, display their trophy from within their park, air.stream.


Capitol Hill Community Council President Jen Power and City Council candidate Mike O'Brien chat in Unpaving Paradise's park (image from Cojourn)


A true gentleman, Web Crowell, offering up sodas from his seltzer upstart, Under Pressure Seltzer Works.


And finally, a photo of the mobile DJ, 12 Hr Notice who was on his feet for most of the day, keeping the music going (photo by Beth Hamby)

There is also a gallery over on CHS by Lucas Anderson for your viewing pleasure here.

Thanks and Congratulations

First off, thanks to everyone that came by the Park(ing) Day Central Park on Friday, whether you built a park or just stopped in. In addition to the expected guest, Sally Bagshaw and Kery Murakami both stopped by, as did KOMO News. There was Twister, Connect Four, and Ping Pong, that were all surprises and hits, not to mention a bit of "turtle tag" on the grass dropped of by SAM and TPL, spearheaded by the five year-old daughter of a Madison Market employee named Adam.

Also a big congratulations to the winners of the awards!

Tastiest prize: Zen Cakes and Zines (Central Park, Bluebird gift certificate)

Most Multi-Modal: Bike Works (Columbia City, Zip Car gift certificate

Most Playful: 4-PLAY (Central Park, games from Gamma Ray and Bucephalus)

Greenest Park: Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Wallingford, Eco books from Spine and Crown)

Best Execution: Park N Play by Perkins + Will (Downtown, Victrola coffee and shirt)

Most Original (Grand Prize): air.stream by Signal to Noise (Central Park, $200 and custom trophy)

Scott at cojourn.net talked to Signal to Noise as they put their park together here (he has some photos too).

Another big thanks to our judges, Justin, Katy, Rich, and Jen!

And speaking of photos, I took a few which I have yet to upload, but you can find more on cojourn, as well as CHS and Flickr.

Big Thanks: Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs

Just a quick reminder that our Park(ing) Day Central Park was largely made possible by the generosity of the smART Ventures program of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. The major expense behind this event was the purchase of insurance, which the grant more than covered, and for that we are very grateful.

Thanks, Seattle Weekly!!

Turn to page 68 of the Fall Arts Issue of Seattle Weekly and you'll notice the ad below, which was printed gratis. Our budget was very tight for this event -- most of it was spent on insurance -- so we really appreciate the donation!