This special edition of GreenSpace, Seattle Parks Foundation's electronic newsletter, is shared with you, our friends and supporters, to invite you to support and participate in the Seattle Parks for All citizen campaign, and help pass Seattle Proposition 2 — the Parks and Green Spaces Levy.  

This November, the 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy provides an important opportunity to renew our commitment to parks through a critical source of public investment. Dedicated public funding for parks is the best way to invest in the future of our urban open spaces.  The 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy will provide an additional $145 million over six years to improve our existing park system and acquire new land for future parks.

With the successful 2000 Pro Parks Levy expiring this year and the need to provide more opportunities for recreation in our increasingly dense neighborhoods, it is critical that we continue to invest in parks in order to maintain the livability of our city. The 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy takes action today and leaves a enduring legacy of a livable Seattle.

This levy is on the ballot because people across Seattle came together to renew the expiring parks levy.  This levy will only  pass if we come together and let our friends and neighbors know that we need good parks for all of Seattle.   We are relying on your help.

Get involved!

1.  Endorse: You and your organization or business can join the growing list of supporters, illustrating how this is truly a community effort.

2.  Donate: Your contribution of any amount will help leave a legacy of green space. Donate today!

3. Organize: Join the Seattle Parks for All online community to organize around your neighborhood or interest group and be informed of the latest news and opportunities.

4.  Share: Forward this e-mail to your friends so they can be a part of making Seattle green.

For more information about this levy, go to www.seattleparksforall.org or www.seattleparksfoundation.org.

Thanks and we look forward to a working together.

Sincerely,

Karen Daubert
Executive Director
Seattle Parks Foundation


P.S. Here are just a few of the things contained in this levy:
* Improvements to 23 substandard playgrounds, currently out of compliance with federal safety standards
* 4 rebuilt playfields which will improve playing conditions and conserve water
* 3 new skateparks
* 3 new spray parks
* 2 off leash dog parks
* 6 million dollars for new parkland in our greenbelts/natural areas
* 24M to purchase park land our most densely populated neighborhoods
* critical safety improvements to cultural facilities in public parks
* 3 new parks on city owned reservoirs
* Improvements at major parks including the Arboretum, Jefferson, Magnuson, and the Children’s play garden
* New park development and improvements at 9 neighborhood parks
* 3 significant trail additions to Burke-Gilman Trail, West Duwamish Trail, and Bay to Shore Trail
* Restored urban forest and stream corridors
* Improved access to our shorelines
* New and improved community food gardens
* $15M Opportunity Fund for community initiated park projects

Seattle Parks Foundation
info@seattleparksfoundation.org
206.332.9900