Montlake Gateway Parks caretakers, Justine Kennelly and Greg Ahmann, are calling for neighbor or student volunteers to donate 2.5 hours of your time this Saturday, October 31st, 2015 – 9:30 until noon – to help maintain the Montlake Community Gateway Parks. The parks were donated to our community to help beautify the neighborhood and preserve green space.
Plan to meet up at the parks at the corner of 24th Ave and Boyer Avenue East and help us prepare them for winter by saying goodbye to some plants which didn’t survive the hot summer, weeding, pruning and raking. Bring your gloves, weeders, pruners, and rakes. Families welcome. Refreshments of cocoa, coffee, and cookies will be provided. It is a lot of fun!
It would be helpful to know if you will be able to come by. Please send an email to GatewayParks@montlake.net.
The History of the Gateway Parks
In 1976, W. Smith gave his lots at the east and west corners of 24th 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 removing the jungle of bushes by hand.
In 2011, MCC was awarded a Department of Neighborhoods 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.
Our neighbors in our community built these two parks for our enjoyment, safety, and beauty. Please join us to maintain this legacy.
Justine Kennelly & Greg Ahmann
GatewayParks@montlake.net
206 919 6118
Maintenance of MCC Gateway Parks
Spring has certainly come and its time to reconnect with neighbors and do a spring clean-up of the gateway parks. Please join Greg Ahmann and Justine Kennelly, the new Montlake Gateway Parks Maintenance Facilitators, for as much time as you can spare. Gloves, clippers, and rakes are helpful.