Supporting Peppi’s Woods: Grant Submitted for Interpretive Kiosk at Peppi’s Playground

The Leschi Community Council recently submitted a grant proposal to the Seattle Garden Club to support a new interpretive kiosk at Peppi’s Playground—a project intended to highlight and support Peppi’s Woods, the community-stewarded natural area adjacent to the playground and Leschi Elementary.

This proposal grew from a suggestion by one of Peppi’s Woods volunteer Forest Stewards and reflects early concept development. If funded, the project would intentionally move into a broader engagement phase to ensure the final outcome reflects shared priorities and values.

Why a Kiosk?

Peppi’s Playground is a lively gathering place for families and children. Just beyond it, Peppi’s Woods offers a quieter experience—an urban forest that supports native plants, birds, pollinators, and a sense of connection to nature. The proposed kiosk would:

• Share information about native plants and habitat found in Peppi’s Woods

• Highlight the ecological value of urban forests

• Encourage visitors to explore native plants as sustainable, biodiverse choices for their own gardens

The goal is not just to inform, but to inspire care—extending conservation awareness beyond the park and into the neighborhood.

A Phased, Intentional Approach

The grant proposal is structured in two phases, allowing the project to begin with research and design before moving into fabrication and installation.

Phase 1: Research, Design, and Planning

(Requested from the Seattle Garden Club)

This phase would focus on:

• Conversations with Forest Stewards, Leschi Elementary educators, and Leschi Community Council volunteers

• Review of Seattle Parks requirements for siting and long-term maintenance

• Development of two concept design options for the kiosk structure and interpretive approach

• Draft sample artwork and native plant graphics

• Outreach to potential fabricators to inform Phase 2 scope and costs

Phase 1 would be led by public artist and landscape designer Ann Marie Schneider, who would develop the interpretive vision, test kiosk locations, and create the site plan required by Seattle Parks.

Phase 2: Technical Design, Fabrication, and Installation

(To be funded through additional fundraising and/or in-kind support)

The scope and final budget for Phase 2 would be informed by the outcomes of Phase 1.

Stewardship Continues

Regardless of the grant outcome, stewardship of Peppi’s Woods continues. Volunteers regularly care for the site through invasive removal and forest restoration, building on years of community effort.

Upcoming Peppi’s Woods work parties:

• Sunday, February 1, 10am–12:30 pm

• Saturday, March 1, 10am–12:30 pm

These work parties are a great way to learn more about the woods, meet neighbors, and contribute directly to its health.

Looking Ahead—A Call to Participate

Grant review takes time, and no decisions have been made yet. If the grant is awarded, the Leschi Community Council intends to invite broader community participation in shaping the kiosk’s content, design, and storytelling.

If you’re interested in helping bring this project to life—whether through ideas, skills, or collaboration—we’d love to hear from you. Please contact leschivp@gmail.com to stay involved and be part of the conversation if the project moves forward.

~Nikola Davidson