By Christy Wolyniak, Intern

After two years of planning and preparation, Golden Gardens has a brand new playground to liven up its beachfront.

What used to be green space is now a full playground complete with a large pirate structure with slides, swings, and climbing ropes called the “Explorer Dome.”

Funding came from The Parks and Green Spaces Levy, which began afresh in November 2008 thanks to a 59 percent vote from Seattle citizens.

“[Everyone] knew we were going to be in an economic crisis, and still Seattle put their parks first,” said Don Harper, Citizen Oversight Committee member for The Parks and Green Spaces Levy.

The $146 million levy funds improved athletic playing fields, existing and new neighborhood playgrounds, and open green spaces.

“This park is more fun for everybody [now]. It’s a different kind of park. People usually come with their families, and since kids can’t walk here, it’s more of a destination,” said Sue Goodwin, Recreation Director for Seattle Parks and Recreation.

According to Seattle Parks and Recreation website, in the last two years the levy has completed 21 development projects with 15 more to be completed by the end of 2011.

But on September 12, the Seattle Parks and Recreation will brace itself for a budget cut.

"Seattle needs to ask itself, ‘how are we going to fund our parks?’ It’s going to be hard for people to digest and there will have to be a lot of communication,” said Harper.

None of these worries impacted the dedication party however as children played and scattered all over the new playground and waited in line for a cool pirate-crafted balloon sword.

The Pirates of Treasure Island set anchor near the park and entertained packs of children. Colorful beaded necklaces were draped over parents and kids alike as the pirates mingled with many an “Arr.”

Maritime music by “Watch the Sky” added to the excitement and buzz in the park as kids wrote about their experiences that day on paper kites.

“I really like [the park]. I like the climbing ropes the best,” said a young Anika Segall who came with her mom and aunt.

As an organization committed to local charities for kids, The Pirates of Treasure Island frequent 25-30 parades a year said Redbeard, president of the club. Recently in a charitable auction, the group raised over $10,000 for the Sailing Heritage Society.

“[It’s great] seeing barefooted children running around, not playing video games, but [getting outside] and being healthy,” said Captain Scurvy Dog.

Kids helped cut the ribbon with their balloon swords as the playground was dedicated. Families enjoyed the new playground and some younger members had great difficulty in parting.

For more information on The Parks and Green Spaces Levy, visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/levy/.