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Landmark fence planned

Artist Tracy Hager, who has been commissioned to create a landmark fence at University Playground Park, is seeking artifacts, objects, photographs, stories and good ideas to contribute to the fence design.

Those interested in participating in the can meet Hager at the University Farmer's Market (NE 50th Street and University Way) every Saturday through Oct. 12, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Hager will be at University Park (NE 50th and 9th Avenue NE) on Sunday Oct. 20 from 204 p.m. and at the University Branch Library (5009 Roosevelt Way NE), on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A public meeting to view the design will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14.

University Playground Park opened in 1913; it was the first fenced park in Seattle

In recent years the park has been underused. Community members see the new fence as not only an opportunity to replace an aged cyclone version with something more attractive, but as an opportunity for an art project that reflects the community's identity. For details, call Nancy Bocek 632-7760.

Magnuson Park group formed

Friends of Magnuson Park, a neighborhood group composed of people of live near Sand Point Magnuson Park, recently formed. Their mission is to appeal the Environmental Impact Statement for athletic fields and wetland habitat complex proposed for the park. The group believes that the EIS is inadequate, especially in addressing noise and sports field lighting impacts on the neighborhood and offering mitigation. For details on Friends of Magnuson Park, call 526-0506.

Sand Point building arson

The Seattle Parks & Recreation Department has gotten to work repairing Building 18 at Sand Point Magnuson Park after several fires, one on Aug. 22 and several small fires on Aug. 23, damaged the building.

Four rooms and the hallway were severely burned by the fire and the Fire Department had to axe holes into the roof to stop the flames from spreading along the beams. Repairs will continue throughout the fall and winter.

Building 18 is ironically slated to house the future Firehouse artists' studios, public gallery and workshop space. Firehouse is a project of the Sand Point Arts & Cultural Exchange (SPACE).

Katie Kurtz, executive director of SPACE, said the fires are considered arson, although she doesn't know of any suspects. She added that SPACE has only theories as to the motive for the fires and the group hopes it was a random crime. Sand Point Magnuson Park is located at 7400 Sand Point Way NE. For details, call SPACE at 522-9529.

Kalakala still seeks home

As of Sept. 20, a nonprofit group that has been working to save the Kalakala was still looking for a new home for the historic 67-year-old streamlined ferry. The Kalakala Foundation was dealt a blow when the Seattle Port Commission rejected its proposal to move the ferry to Pier 66. Seattle P-I columnist Susan Paynter wrote an article shortly after the decision urging noted philanthropist Paul Allen to step in and buy the Kalakala. So far, no word from Allen, said foundation vice president David Ruble. "If Paul Allen wants to write us a check, it would be really cool, but we're not counting on it," Ruble told the Seattle Sun. He said Allen's people took a look at the first draft of the foundation's plan last December. "They said while they support our objectives, it was not something (Allen) was interested in funding at this time," he said. The foundation still hopes to find a home for the Kalakala in Seattle, but the clock is ticking. The ferry needs to be moved from its temporary home on Lake Union by year's end. For more information, call 632-0540.

15th Ave. NW improvements

The Whittier Heights Community Council wants to make 15th Avenue NW between 65th and Holman Road safer and more attractive for the thoroughfare's users.

Neighbors hope to improve the landscaping, pedestrian environment and general aesthetics of the area, said Marianne Scholl who co-chairs the council.

To that end, the group will hold two open houses at the Whittier Elementary School Cafeteria (1320 NW 75th St.), the first to gather information and ideas from the public the second to present options.

The first will be held on Monday, Sept. 30 from 7-9 p.m. and the second will be on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 7-9 p.m.

Other improvements to 15th Ave. are already planned by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). The renovation, which is budgeted at $4.51 million, will include street resurfacing, transit signal priorities at seven intersections, upgraded traffic signals, landscaping, spot medians, sidewalk repairs and foundations at 17 locations for bus stop shelters, benches and lighting. Construction of that project will take place during 2003 and 2004.

For details, call the community council at 706-0650.