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Veterans plant memorial tree

On May 31 members of local VFW post #3348 planted a Dwight D. Eisenhower Green Ash tree in the northwest corner of the Lake City Playground. The tree, grown from the seeds of a tree that shades Eisenhower's Texas birthplace, commemorates WWII veterans.

The tree was donated to post #3348 and to 10,000 other VFW posts around the country through Operation Silent Witness, a combined mission of the VFW foundation, American Forests, The Scotts Company and Wal-Mart.

Reading from a speech prepared by Operation Silent Witness, Al Campbell, commander of post #3348 said "I would like to acknowledge the support of Wal-Mart Stores, The Scotts Company and American Forests. I greatly appreciate them giving us the opportunity to make this tribute to those who fought for our freedom."

Members of VFW Post # 3348 include veterans of WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. Currently, younger veterans of the Vietnam war or the Gulf war have joined. The Seattle Parks and Recreation department will care for the tree.

Meridian Playground to become pesticide-free

Mayor Paul Schell, National Audubon Society board member Helen Engle, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Ken Bounds were among the city representatives who introduced Seattle's first pesticide free-parks on June 27 at Meridian Playground in Wallingford.

The National Audubon Society presented the City of Seattle with a "Habitat Hero" award under the auspices of Audubon's Healthy Habitats initiative, for Seattle's commitment to reducing pesticide use and promoting habitat-friendly landscaping plans.

The City of Seattle is moving toward elimination of the use of pesticides in some parks as it implements an element of its Best Management Practices for park maintenance. For City operations, the program phased out use of the most potentially hazardous insecticides and herbicides in June 2000, and aims to reduce overall pesticide use by 30% by December 2002.

According to a parks department press release, Parks staff chose parks for the demonstration project that present recreation opportunities and that are located near schools or community organizations.

Parks Department calls for naming ideas

Seattle Parks and Recreation is calling for ideas for renaming North Seattle Park.

The park, located at 10556 Meridian Ave. N., was never officially named, although North Seattle Park has been the de facto name since the park was acquired by Parks and Recreation in 1969.

The Parks Naming Committee will consider the suggestions and make a recommendation to Parks Superintendent Ken Bounds, who will make the final decision.

Park naming criteria includes: geographic location, historic or cultural significance, and natural or geological features.The park may also be named for a person no longer living (deceased a minimum of two years) who made a significant contribution to parks and/or recreation.

Park names must be submitted in writing by August 31. An explanation of how the name matches the criteria must be included. For more information call 386-1273.