Montlake Gateway Parks Have New Facilitators

After many wonderful years of caring for Montlake Gateway Parks, Montlake Gateway Parks Facilitor, Patricia Shannon-Garvey has retired from her volunteer position. And a big thank you to Patricia for her generous support, maintenance and beautification of Montlake Gateway Parks.

She and the Montlake community welcome new facilitators and Montlake neighbors: Greg Ahmann, and Justine Kennelly.  They have generously volunteered to replace Patricia in taking care of Montlake Communities’ pocket parks – many thanks to them for volunteering.

Justine will handle the organization of the work parties and do the paper work that is involved.  Greg will manage the events, providing the tools and refreshments to the parks on the day of the work party.  Patricia has provided Justine with the emails of our most regular volunteers.

You can email both Justine and Greg via gatewayparks@montlake.net

A short history of the Gateway Parks:

• In 1976, W. Smith gave his lots at the east and west corners of 24^th Ave E and Boyer Ave E to the Montlake Community Club.    He did so because he understood MCC’s interest in protecting its green spaces and “its civic and benevolent direction”.
• In 1984, neighbors restored the west corner to a park after a Gas Station was closed and removed.
• In 2004, neighbors began restoration of the east corner to a park, removing the jungle of bushes by hand.
• In 2011, MCC was awarded a Department of Neighborhood grant to build a path and install northwest plants in the east park.  The neighborhood raised $19,000 in cash and volunteer labor to match the grant.
• In 2011, MCC was awarded a Cleanscapes prize to build a Kiosk , two solid cedar benches, and install a memorial plaque to Elizabeth Duncan, who was killed by an out of control car while waiting to cross the intersection.  The path in West Gateway Park is called the “Elizabeth Duncan path”.

Our neighbors in our community built these two parks for our enjoyment, safety, and beauty; and continued maintenance will honor their dedication.

Please join Justine and Greg in helping maintain these green spaces for our community.