Parks

Wallingford Playfield play area closed for one week

Last night as I was walking the dogs through Wallingford Playfield, I noticed a chain link fence around the perimeter of the play area. It was too dark to snap any pictures, so I emailed Dewey Potter, the Communications Manager at Seattle Parks and Rec and asked her what was up. She replied: Hi Margaret— Our crew is repairing the pathways inside the play area, and they are posting signs today that explain that. Reader Kimberly went to the Playfield this…

Continue ReadingWallingford Playfield play area closed for one week

You Don’t See One of These Every Day

I haven’t received any urgent garden questions from Wallyhood readers lately, so I decided to take a tour around to see if there were any notable horticultural wonders. Sure enough, I spotted something. More on that below, but first, a reminder to send your garden questions anytime to me, Jeanie, at [email protected]. So, the horticultural wonder: when they're not in bloom Chilean fire trees (Embothrium coccineum) blend in to the green background we Seattleites are used to. They tend to be…

Continue ReadingYou Don’t See One of These Every Day

Wallingford swings!

Next time you're at the Wallingford Playfield or Meridian Park, you'll notice a a bright cheery, yellow addition to the swings.  The Fremont Rotary Club has donated one ADA accessible swing for each park that are designed for kids with special needs.  The donation is part of the Fremont Rotary's "Yellow Swing Campaign" of which a total of four swings were donated to local playgrounds. The Fremont Rotary aligned themselves with the "Seattle Children's Playgarden" organization which serves to provide children…

Continue ReadingWallingford swings!

Come Wassail Away

Used to be, when I thought of wassailing, I'd picture Christmas carolers in full Victorian-era costume, going door-to-door to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  But in reality, as I've come to learn, wassailing is a centuries-old English tradition, with one form that's deeply-rooted in apple trees. Apple Wassailing dates back to the 16th century, though some may believe the tradition began as a Pagan ritual. This type of wassailing is to pay homage to apple trees…

Continue ReadingCome Wassail Away

Tennis anyone?

Two years ago, when the tennis courts at nearby Woodland Park were resurfaced, I was green with envy.  Seeing those bright blue rectangular boxes outlined in brilliant white made me wish our tennis courts at the Wallingford Playfield would get an upgrade, too. Well, if you’ve recently been to the Wallingford Playfield, you’ll know my wish came true.  Our two little courts have been repainted.  And they look mah-velous! But wait!  Before you get too excited in thinking that our courts…

Continue ReadingTennis anyone?

Hula hoops and devil sticks

During one of my daily walks this week, I spotted this flier next to the east entrance of the Wallingford Playfield.  Not only was I drawn to the elaborate detail on the flier, but I was intrigued by the items listed as missing:  hula hoops, frisbees, and devil sticks.  I figured, someone took a lot of time to create such a flier, and so these items must have sentimental value for that person. When I got home, I called the number…

Continue ReadingHula hoops and devil sticks

Wading pool, library affected by proposed city budget

Mayor Mike McGinn released his proposed city budget for 2011 – 2012 on Monday, addressing the $67 million dollar shortfall in the City’s General Fund for 2011.  The proposed budget calls for the Wallingford wading pool to operate on a three day per week schedule next summer, similar to this year’s schedule.  The closest wading pool to operate seven days per week will be Green Lake. The proposed budget also calls for reducing “on-site librarian reference service in order to achieve…

Continue ReadingWading pool, library affected by proposed city budget