An incident in Leschi this summer made us aware that our community has some unique problems: streets that suddenly end and pick up elsewhere, streets that curve around and change names, streets that have many personae such as Blvd, Ave. or Ct. A resident collapsed, his wife called 911 and went outside to flag down the fire truck when she heard the siren. The fire truck barreled right by her! A man with a pickup quickly grasped what was happening and chased down the fire truck. Before we go any further, be assured that the man was taken to the hospital; he did have a heart attack but has recovered. What could have been fatal worked out this time. In researching this incident through the Fire Department, it was discovered that the responding crew was not our usual crew from Fire Station 6 and they were unfamiliar with this area. If our local crew is already on a call, this can happen. The spokesman for the Fire Department said the best thing one can do is make sure the house number is prominently displayed and give the best directions you can to the dispatcher. At the August 2013 East Precinct meeting, 911 was the topic. This incident was described and the 911 trainer said that calls which require a response from the Fire Department are forwarded to them once the dispatcher clarifies the situation. The spokesman said that the dispatchers will prioritize calls as they come in. Once life threatening situations are dispatched to appropriate responders, the police calls are prioritized in this sequence: Crime in progress Crime just occurred Suspicious circumstances Police Captain Ron Wilson said the past month’s most common crimes have been arson and ”apple picking”, which is the street vernacular for robberies of Apple devices on the street. Victims are easily identified by the wearing ear buds and accosted. The stolen devices are quickly reprogrammed to avoid tracing and are easy to sell on the street.

Leschi Community Garden Parent Kim Blakemore invited me to visit the garden at Leschi Elementary School where 1st through 3rd graders are learning about seeds, bulbs and what eventually becomes food. This past summer, T-Mobile volunteers built two large planter boxes in the front of the school. In the back, there are two existing planting areas by the Community Day School entrance. There is a round planter and a long rectangular one; the soil is being tested to see if it is safe for growing vegetables. If not, the School District has promised to replace it with suitable dirt. Container gardening is being planned in large burlap bags. Gourds will be harvested and turned into bird houses. Both chocolate and pineapple mint were grown this year, which delighted the children as they marveled at familiar smells coming from an unfamiliar source. Kim has been able to garner donations and takes advantage of free stuff on Craig’s list, but the big need now is for VOLUNTEERS! The garden is a classroom on Fridays from 11:30-1:30 when 10-13 students at a time are brought outside to learn about gardening. Community volunteers are needed to assist at that time, preferably 2 persons. To assist, one does need to have a background check done, which is easy; fill out a form which goes to the State Police and is sent back with clearance. Contact: The Urban Garden at Seattle Girls’ School It is the 5th grade at SGS that is working the new garden, and an impressive one, it is! There are 6 large wooden planters with a strip of white board at the end of each to name the plants in that box. The students have been impressed with their Egyptian walking onion which drops a shoot forward into the ground to create the next plant, which then does the same thing so the walking onion eventually walks the length of the planter! Artichokes, carrots, radishes, collard greens and the ever popular chocolate mint are being grown. There is an arbor with a Kiwi vine being trained to climb it. A glass greenhouse built by volunteers has another large planter box in it for growing seeds. The Math teacher helped the girls use their math skills to determine how much soil they needed in each planter. The theme for the garden is Community and they have Foodie Fridays where they have served smoothies and set up a nutritional salad bar. They are looking at food equity as a social issue, as income often determines food choices. The school had assistance on the United Way Day of Caring, and Google has sent volunteers. They have used mini-grants to supplement their needs for the garden.

Leschi Park Tennis Court Leschi Park has a single tennis court. From the business area, take Lake Washington Boulevard South, up the hill. Go under the overpass for the old Cable Car Trail, and you will find the tennis court on the left. There are no lights at the court, so tennis is limited to daylight hours. There is a small backboard on one of the walls of the hurricane fencing. There is a small parking lot for a few cars. Since there is only one court, it is often occupied in good weather. There is also a restroom not far away, and the Leschi Market is just down the hill. Also since it is an outdoor court, the court surface may be littered with debris, especially after storms or strong winds, so you may find bringing an old broom useful. Mount Baker Park Tennis Court Mount Baker Park has a double tennis court, with two courts side by side. From the Leschi business area, take Lake Washington Boulevard South, for about a mile and a half. Go under the I-90 bridge, and continue to the Mount Baker Beach. Turn right at Lake Park Drive South, which is right across the street from the swimming area. Follow the road through the old trees and you will find the tennis court on the right. There is a small parking lot for a few cars. There are lights at the court, so you can play after dark. Mioposto Cafe is just down the street on McClellan. There are no backboards nearby. It is an outdoor court, the court surface may be littered with debris, especially after storms or strong winds. Also during the day there are a lot of families playing in the park, and you may find children using the court surface for activities other than tennis. Tennis Court at Sam Smith Park Smith Park has a double tennis court, with two courts side by side. You can find Sam Smith park by car, by taking Alder up the hill from the Leschi business district. Continue up the hill on Yesler and turn left on Martin Luther King Jr Way. Follow MLK south, past Judkins to South Irving Street. The park is on both sides of MLK, but the tennis courts are to the left. The only parking is along MLK Way, but it is a short walk. There are no lights so tennis is limited to daylight hours. If you want to find it by bike or on foot, it is located on the west end of the I-90 tunnel, the Mount Baker Tunnel, where the bike/walking trail comes out of the tunnel. Madrona Playground Tennis Court Madrona is just north of Leschi. Madrona Playground is right in the middle of Madrona on 32nd and Spring. The tennis courts are at the city park. There are no lights so tennis is limited to daylight hours. Seward Park Tennis Court Seward Park is about five miles south of Leschi. Just follow Lake Washington Boulevard south as it winds its way around the lake. The tennis courts are at the south end of the parking lot. There are no lights so tennis is limited to daylight hours. The LID (Mercer Island) Park Tennis Court LID Park in Mercer Island has a double tennis court, with two courts side by side. They also have a concrete wall along the basketball court that tennis players can use to practice their swing. You can find the LID by taking the I-90 bridge east over the lake and getting off the freeway at the first exit coming off the bridge. Then turn left and follow the road. The tennis courts do not have lights so you are limited to daylight hours. There is parking near the court for several cars. There is a restroom just down the I-90 trail to the east. Amy Yee Tennis Center - Indoor & Outdoor The Amy Yee Tennis center is located at 2000 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. They have 4 outdoor tennis courts, and 10 indoor tennis courts. Amy Yee Tennis Center business hours vary depending on the day: Mon-Fri, Sep 1-May 31 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Sat/Sun, Sep 1-May 31 7 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Mon-Fri, June 1-Aug 31 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Sat/Sun, June 1-Aug 31 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. They also offer tennis lessons for all ages at all levels, at various times during the week. You can join group classes or hire an instructor individually by the hour. They have scheduled matches, as well as court rental and ball machine rental by the hour. See the Seattle parks website for more information.

The Bath House in Madrona Park This is a family oriented sandy beach with a roped swimming area, picnic area, lifeguard, restrooms, lots of parking, and a snack bar (Only open certain months of the year.) Mount Baker Beach This is also a family oriented beach with restrooms, life guard, and roped swimming area. There is a small parking lot but can be busy in warm weather.

Dragon boating is a 2,100-year-old sport where a team of 20 people paddle in unison. Practices are invigorating and friendly while races are a two-minute adrenaline rush. It's a great way to meet new people and weekend festivals are a blast. (Dragon Boat Racing) Club Sake’s home is Leschi Marina on Lake Washington. The club has practices Monday through Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Races are held at locations throughout the Northwest: the Williamette River during the Portland Rose Festival, Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour, Vancouver's False Creek, Lake Union in Seattle and more. (Early morning practice) Club Sake paddler ages range from 13 to 70-something, teams include a group of women cancer survivors to the seriously fit and competitive. Find out more about Club Sake, and its seven teams, at www.clubsake.com There are several ways you can try out the sport www.clubsake.com to decide if you like and may want to join Seattle Club Sake! Annual dues are only $90 for adults and $60 for seniors and full-time students. Club Sake also has a competitive youth team, ages 13-18 and highly encourages any youth to give this a try. (Dragon Boat Racing) Teams congregate in the grassy area south of BluWater Bistro by the water and do warm-ups before heading to the boats. Practices are roughly an hour and a half in duration. After practice many people enjoy going for coffee or dim sum on the weekends. See Club Sake for more information.

Moorage at the Leschi Marina Leschi has an active marina for year round moorage of almost 200 boats. For information about using the facility or mooring your own boat there, see the Seattle Parks and Recreation site for Leschi north moorage. Motor Boats & Jet Skis Lake Washington is perfect for motor boating and water skiing. There are no motor boat launches within the borders of Leschi but you don't have to go very far to find one. The nearest power boat launch is by the Mt. Baker Rowing Center, Lake Washington Blvd and S. Charlestown St. about three miles south of Leschi. Canoes, Kayaks & Paddle Boards The waterfront along the lake provides many places you can put your kayak or canoe into the water. If you are comfortable getting into your boat from a dock, there are two docks that work pretty well. If you need a gradual slope of the beach instead there are a few specific places that are safe and easy to use. Note: You are not allowed to put your boat in the water within 25 yards of a swimming area. If you try to, you may get stopped by a life guard. Leschi Park has a hand boat launch across the street at the south end of the grassy yard. To the north: There are several appropriate places between the Marina and Madrona Park. If you walk the length of the grassy area there you will find them. You can also take Lake Washington Boulevard north to the Arboretum but parking there is often a challenge, especially in good weather. There is lots of wildlife and VERY shallow water. You can rent kayaks and canoes at the UW Waterfront Activities Center and cross the Montlake cutoff and paddle around in the Arboretum. To the south: You can put canoes and kayaks in the water in the South Day Street Park under the I-90 bridge. You can put boats in the water at the Mt Baker Rowing Center, about 2.5 miles south of Leschi. The yard just west of the buildings slopes down into the water, but there are a lot of birds there so the water is sometimes less than sanitary. There is another small park about 3 miles south of Leschi at South Adams Street. This little park has one of the best hand boat launch facilities in the area. It also has very good parking. You can also hand launch boats at Seward Park near the tennis courts on the south side of the peninsula. Seward Park is about five miles south of Leschi. To the East: If you go over the I-90 bridge and go just past Mercer Island, there is a park under the Mercer Island Bridge on the East end. It is called Enatai Beach Park and there is a facility there that rents kayaks certain times of the year. You can check out their website for schedules, and rental fees. You can also put your boat in the water at the Mercer Slough, at the Mercer Slough Nature Park. It is on Bellevue Way very close to the freeway exit off I-90. From there you can either paddle the slough or make your way to Lake Washington. Dragon Boats The Dragon Boats have a long history and tradition in Leschi. You have seen the long colorful boats at the Leschi Marina and have seen the participants doing their warm up exercises together on the shore, as well as out on the water in the boats, paddling in unison. If you are interested in trying Dragon Boating, you will be glad to know they do welcome new members and are open to the public giving it a try before joining.

Celebrate the creativity of this community as you view the works of art, original jewelry, handcrafted leather items and glass art in a series of booths on the sidewalk in the Leschi Business District. The ArtWalk is a joint venture between the Leschi Business Association and the Leschi Community Council. Artists and Craftspersons are invited to show their wares at exhibit booths set up in the business district on Lakeside Ave. A nominal fee is charged for a booth but table, chairs and canopy are provided for each vendor and music groups are invited to perform in Leschi Park. Children’s activities include an art table for their own creations and face painting, as well as a chance to push the giant Earth Ball around. The Dragon Boats participate and offer paddle lessons in the marina area. Local businesses and the Community Council have staffed tables to answer questions. This event takes place on the second Saturday in June from 11-4.

In early December, the Leschi Community Council holds their annual holiday party at the Central Area Senior Center or The Central as it is becoming known. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year and recognize Leschi Stars, those individuals who have stepped forward to take on important tasks to enhance the community. Leschi Market donates a roast turkey and LCC provides a ham and beverages. Attendees bring potluck dishes to round out what has always been a very generous meal. A raffle offers items from local businesses and the raffle ticket proceeds supplement our LCC budget to pay for the newsletter and the event itself.

Leschi’s annual Halloween Spooktacular moved to Leschi Park this year with the loan of a beautiful tent from Dr. Michael Bilikas. And were we lucky to be in a tent! The off and on drizzles turned into full force rain at one point! We loved seeing the neighborhood turn out in costume, especially when the parents were also dressed up! We served apple cider and donut holes and treated the kids with the usual candies, apples and plastic monster teeth. The apples were especially handy when we were visited by six horses on an early evening canter from Rainier Beach. Thanks to all who helped erect the tent and take it down after the event; to Leschi Market for straw bales and corn husks and to Ann Conroy and Cara Ross for their annual planning skills!

Halloween Spooktacular is another joint event between the Leschi Business Association and the Leschi Community Council. Aimed at younger kids, the event takes place between 4 and 6 pm on Halloween with local lakefront businesses offering treats. Hay bales and giant pumpkins offer an appropriate background for picture taking of little costumed gremlins.

What better reason to celebrate than the renovation of a blighted urban corner into a safe and modern playground for neighborhood children? Every May we celebrate the small park at the corner of 28th and Jackson. We celebrate both the park’s namesake, Floresina Ware, and the renovation of the park in 2004. Flo Ware was a resident of the area and a community activist. She helped to improve the schools in the Central Area, she brought the Meals on Wheels program to the city’s senior residents, she raised numerous foster children and her philosophy was that of community and diversity. She urged folks to come together to make a better life for all. The city originally named this small park for Flo Ware in 1982, but by the early 2000’s, the park was in a state of disrepair and was mostly a gathering place for young gang members. The Leschi Community Council, under the guidance of President Thurston Muskelly, undertook a major renovation. $500,000 was raised and volunteers put in extensive sweat equity to create a park with modern, safe playground equipment, a half basketball court and small chess tables. Now on sunny days, one sees mothers with young children using the swings and young boys practicing hoop shots. Our annual celebration includes a potluck and entertainment. The East Precinct has participated in many years and our local officers take over the grilling of the hot dogs and hot links. Watch the events on our website for the date of this event each year!

May 6, 2014—MEMORANDUM To: Christopher Williams, Superintendent, Seattle Parks & Recreation From: Leschi Project Advisory Team (PAT) Re: Recommendations for Leschi Moorages The Leschi Marina Project Advisory Team (PAT) is pleased to present recommendations that will lead to safe, affordable and quality moorage facilities for recreational boaters and the public for generations to come. The Leschi marinas are a unique and valuable public resource but dock conditions have deteriorated over many years with limited investments or repairs by the City. The current concession management model only provided for minor maintenance and failed to address ongoing asset replacement. Little has been done to ensure the facilities are safe and functional despite a consistent revenue stream provided by tenants. Our PAT’s goal has been to articulate an achievable and sustainable operating and maintenance model for the future of North and South Leschi marinas. In producing our recommendations we have studied operational practices at other marinas and market data; management of other City of Seattle Park facilities; identified current assets and needs; and taken into account extensive input provided by tenants and the surrounding community. Our recommendations are based on ideas broadly supported by the full PAT. Other important ideas that merit acknowledgement and were discussed during our process, but that did not make it into the final recommendations include: factoring in the effect on global warming as a key part of the decision-making process going forward; placing sailboats at the north moorage and powerboats at the south moorage; and banning powerboats. Much remains to be done to produce an actual moorage design and important milestones lay ahead including environmental permitting but our recommendations will set the moorages on the path of greater functionality and financial sustainability. We applaud Seattle Parks and Recreation’s commitment to stimulate meaningful public engagement and protect historic use of the marinas. We wish to thank and recognize the leadership and support of Seattle Parks and Recreation’s professional staff including Nathan Torgelson, Paula Hoff and Paul Wilkinson throughout this important process. Thank you for the opportunity to help frame a vision for the future of Leschi marina! Recommendations of the Leschi Moorage Project Advisory Team (PAT), April 2014 Context Leschi Moorage has 214 wet and 119 dry moorage slips created in the mid-20th Century. Seattle Parks and Recreation has started the permitting process for improvements to South Leschi and North Leschi, assuming minimal expansion of the pier footprint. Approximately 38 of the slips are currently not usable due to the poor conditions of the docks. Reid Middleton has been retained to help with the permitting and design process and Grette Associates for environmental planning (biological and fish habitat evaluation). Parks has submitted a JARPA (Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application) and a Biologic Evaluation and Essential Fish Habitat Evaluation to the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the State Department of Ecology (DOE). The Corps and DOE issued a notice on November 25, 2013. The comment period ended on December 25, 2013 and no comments were received. Tribes are informed of the project and will participate in the design process. Seattle Parks is required to come to an agreement with the Tribes. Vision The activities described above are positive but no long-term vision or direction currently exists for Leschi marina. We propose the following: Leschi Marina provides safe, affordable and quality moorage for recreational boaters and public access to Lake Washington. In a city surrounded by water, it is a rare public resource, and must be professionally managed and financially sustainable in order to protect the environment and preserve enjoyment of Lake Washington for generations to come. Operational Recommendations Following are recommendations that will help make the vision become a reality. 1. Update the marina with the end users in mind. Leschi marina should remain an affordable resource for a diverse group of recreational users. We need to acknowledge our diverse range of boats, and ensure that the facility accommodates the long-term users of the marina, (racing programs, dragon boats, disabled sailing, etc.) The design should allow for sailboats sailing into and out of the marina; Dragon boats; and possibly larger vessels at the end of the docks. The focus of the facilities should be on smaller boats. Key features should include: An effective breakwater system Non-slip decking without holes, nails and other hazards Power and water for tenants Direct access from parking areas, including handicap accessibility Dock carts and storage Dry storage on floats and 24–26 foot slips to support the current racing programs with room for expansion Side-tie moorage for dragon boats Small boat launching ramp suitable for launching dollies (versus trailers), potentially available for the general public Security for tenants Restrooms for tenants Public access to a dock or breakwater Short-term daytime tie-ups Desirable features may include: Shoreside meeting/multipurpose space Watercraft rentals Boatwash facilities – connection to sanitary sewer Shower facilities for tenants Public viewpoints Pump-out station Design considerations: Sample slip configurations Decrease shadow to the underwater environment Improved bathroom facilities at north end (shower) Paired slips with wider finger piers Emergency ladders at each pair of slips Low level dock lighting to minimize glare Shallower ramp angles Bus access Clear views into and across the marina from the Boulevard, with seating areas A design/build contract could be desirable for this project North Leschi for sailboats and South Leschi for powerboats Recognize the Olmstead legacy of the adjacent Lake Washington Boulevard and Leschi Park Integrate the design with the surrounding Leschi community Apply green design and construction practices to all aspects of the project Include community considerations in the design and operation of the facility It is assumed that the moorage facilities will continue to cater to both sailboats and powerboats, in order to meet customer demand and to achieve financial stability. In accommodating both types of users, it may be preferable to identify certain sections of the marina that are more appropriate for powerboats. The facilities need to be safe and attractive but should not be fancy in order to safeguard affordability. Leschi should not be a country club; it is a community resource. Water access for the general public, including accessibility to walk parts of the docks, could be desirable. 2. Achieve financial sustainability through a coherent, long-term operational plan, committed City management and common-sense practices. The City’s current $4 million budget will provide a critical jump-start for capital improvements to South Leschi but those funds should explicitly fit into a broader long-term development plan. It would be misguided—and a lost opportunity—to rebuild the breakwater, dock structures or any other moorage features without knowing what comes next. The City should complete a business plan in order to achieve plausible operational objectives. Potential elements of the plan include: Reinvest rents into the property versus the City’s and/or Park’s general fund Bring rents closer to market rates Differentiate seasonal, annual and live-aboard rates Different rates for Seattle residents and non-residents Partnership opportunities with mission-driven non-profit organizations and users who wish to use the facility “in bulk” over the long-term Effectively marketing recreational opportunities available through the marina Other revenue generating activities to consider include shore-side facilities such as a meeting room, kayak leasing or similar. Grants may be available for a pump-out station. 3. Model governance and operations after the City’s successful golf program. Marinas and golf courses have different operational needs but the basic idea of identifying a third party to operate the moorage while the City remains the lead on capital improvements is sound. This is the current model at Leschi but it has not worked because there has not been hands-on oversight or accountability such as there is for the City’s golf program; major maintenance has not been provided by the City or the operator; and revenues generated by tenant rent have not been reinvested in the facility. The City should issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a marina operator for a new contractual agreement. Key operational requirements should include: A tight, well-articulated and detailed contract between the City and chosen operator Good financial and operational records; operating guidelines and monthly reports Leadership at Parks and oversight of the contract (the manager of golf programs for the city has already been identified for this role with the marinas—which is a huge, positive step forward) Consideration should be given to one entity providing day-to-day operations at both Leschi and Lakewood moorages. Notwithstanding the fact that there are different short-term needs, over the long-term this could provide economies of scale, coordinated marketing and the feasibility of a higher level of staff provided by the operator due to potentially greater earnings. An ongoing tenant/community advisory team could help to facilitate communication between the Moorage Manager, tenants and the community. Critical management activities including selection of operating concessionaire, capital improvements, standards of maintenance and lease rates should be communicated through the advisory team. 4. Immediately address management and maintenance shortcomings at the facility. It will likely take some time to issue the RFQ, select a concessionaire, and then negotiate a contract. In the meantime, conditions at the marina continue to deteriorate, maintenance is being deferred, and the facility is being operated in an unsafe, substandard manner. To address this situation, Parks should immediately increase its oversight of the facility, identify a near term list of critical repairs and essential maintenance practices, and then ensure that those repairs are made and practices are adhered to. Improving operations in the short term will enable the longer term vision and recommendations presented in this document to be implemented at least cost. Timeline May 2014—PAT recommendations to Parks Superintendent Summer 2014—Potential new RFQ issued By December 31, 2014—City selects concessionaire and negotiates contract. City Council approves the Management Agreement with selected concessionaire. May 31, 2014—Current concessionaire month-to-month lease agreement ends (or ends sooner if a new agreement is reached as a result of an RFP process) No later than August 1, 2014—Interim Progress Report due to City Council No later than December 1, 2014—Final Report due to City Council 2014-2015—Capital improvements decided; JARPA and City permits issued Appendix A. Leschi Construction Costs The $4 million authorized for capital improvements at Leschi will be an important springboard but overall construction costs have been estimated by Reid Middleton to in the range of $11 million. Leschi moorages (north and south combined) generated $557,000 in 2013 and $584,000 in 2012. These revenues could potentially increase if an effort is made to reduce vacancies through year-round (versus seasonal) rates and if rates are brought closer to market. In addition, about 18% of the wet slips have been unusable because they are so dilapidated but they will be able to generate revenue once the marina is updated. The PAT believes that issuing bonds could be an effective way to secure a portion of the needed capital coupled with better management and operational changes such as reinvesting a portion of rent paid back into facility maintenance versus going to the City’s general fund. Additional capital investment by the City may also be needed. The PAT believes it is important for the City to retain ownership of the moorage assets. In principle, the PAT would not be opposed to third party funding and management of capital improvement but 1) it is unlikely a private partner would finance capital improvements for assets owned by the City, and 2) even if such a funder were found it would need operational and economic latitude to a degree that may not align with goals important to the City and tenants. B. Members of the Leschi Moorages Public Advisory Committee David Andrew, Footloose Sailing Association John Barber, former Parks Board Commissioner, Leschi Community Council Marc Daudon, Corinthian Yacht Club--Thistle Sailing Fleet Marc Frazer Paul Jackson Stevan Johnson, , Corinthian Yacht Club Ned Porges Rick Renaud, Club Sake Dragon Boat Club Kary Schneider Remmert Wolters, Corinthian Yacht Club