When Seattle voters passed the Parks and Green Spaces levy in 2008, part of that levy was the establishment of an Opportunity Fund. Proposal applications are sought for projects that would improve Seattle Parks for everything from benches, to paths, from plantings to pavement. But figuring out what works, what is affordable and what serves the most people (or those with the greatest need) is not always easy. Parks has been hosting workshops around Seattle, and the final one is May 3 on Beacon Hill.

press release
Seattle Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the start of the 2012/2013 cycle of the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund. Under the 2008 Levy, this fund allocates $15 million for community initiated park development or property acquisition projects. In the first round, $7 million was allocated; $8 million is available this cycle.

With guidance from the City Council, the Levy Oversight Committee – an advisory board comprised of appointed volunteers – developed the 2012/2013 evaluation criteria, which they will use to assess, nominate, and recommend a package of projects to the Mayor and City Council.

Project proposal letters are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2012, and full project applications are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, September 17, 2012. Because of the tight timeline, Parks cannot accept late proposal letters and applications, and no applications will be accepted without an initial proposal letter.

Parks has been hosting a series of workshops to help the public with the application process. The final technical assistance workshop will focus on project proposal letters:

· Thursday, May 3, 2012
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Jefferson Community Center
3801 Beacon Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98108

Technical assistance workshops for potential applications are scheduled for late June; dates and times will be announced separately. Parks will host open houses in October and November for applicants to present their projects to the Levy Oversight Committee.

This year Parks is using an online application system, and the templates for proposal letters and applications are available on the Opportunity Fund website along with the criteria, detailed timeline, upcoming meetings, and analysis maps.

For additional information about the project please visit the Opportunity Fund website at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/levy/opportunity.htm or contact Seattle Parks and Recreation Planners:
Susanne Rockwell at 206.684.0902 or susanne.rockwell@seattle.gov,
or Emily Lofstedt at 206.684.7047 or emily.lofstedt@seattle.gov