Seattle Parks Foundation is working with the Friends of Gatzert Playground to dramatically improve the play areas and community gathering spaces at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School. Located across the street from Yesler Terrace and near “Little Saigon,” Bailey Gatzert serves a diverse and dense neighborhood lacking in open space.

In 2004 the Parks Foundation partnered with the community and the school to raise more than $100,000 for a number of improvements, including two new play structures (August 2006 and January 2007), artistic entrance gates (April 2006), and two ADA accessible ramps (May 2006) that ensure access for everyone. The gates replaced a rusted chain link fence and resemble linking hands that welcome the community to the school. The accessible play structures, installed by hundreds of community volunteers, immediately drew crowds of children. Our efforts have even encouraged other groups, such as NAIOP, to improve the school grounds in other ways.

Seattle Parks Foundation is continuing the partnership with Bailey Gatzert Elementary to construct a running/walking path on the playground. The path, designed by SvR, is awaiting School District approval. When complete, the trail will provide a place for PE classes and the running club to exercise, as well as a community venue for walking, running, and bicycling . The Parks Foundation and Friends of Gatzert Playground are working to raise the final $40,000 and will be seeking bids for construction in early 2008.

For more information, contact Michael Kelly at 206.332.9900 x13.