It seems just like yesterday when neighbors in East Ballard applied for a grant from the Dept of Neighborhoods to install planters along 14th NW to help make the street more beautiful and create a safe buffer for intersection crossings.
13 years later, these planters have served us well, and are ready to serve a new purpose along 14th Ave NW south of Market St, thanks to our partnership with the Ballard-Fremont Greenways.
The Ballard-Fremont Greenways is a group of neighbors who are working to make our streets safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for everybody. This community group works on safe street projects and advocates for people-oriented places in the greater Ballard-Fremont area. They have a very similar mission to the EBCA, which is why we’re so excited to partner with them.
The Move
The Ballard Fremont Greenways received a permit from SDOT and is coordinating a volunteer effort to move our planters to two intersections in the Ballard Brewery District along 14th Ave NW at NW 51st and 53rd. These planters will be placed in the no-parking areas at the intersection ends to keep them free of parked cars and help keep a clear line of sight for freight and other drivers who are turning in those intersections.
Opportunities to Volunteer
If you are interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities, please email Jessi Lucas at jlklucas@gmail.com to get on her communication list.
Sunday, September 10th, 11 am until we are done
Work party to clean out the planters. Some have dirt and shrubs in them. We will need shovels and tarps to remove the dirt, plus pruners and saws to break down the vegetation.
Monday, September 18th, 10 am until we are done
Work party to move the empty planters to their new locations south of Market. We’re seeking neighbors with vehicles to help with the move. Each planter weighs about 60 lbs. Please reach out to Jessi Lucas at jlklucas@gmail.com if you can provide transportation to help with the move.
3rd Date, TBD
Fill the planters with dirt and plants. We’ll be looking for donations to purchase the dirt and plants and how quickly that happens will decide the final date.
Thank you Jessi for volunteering to coordinate these work parties! Let’s make sure she’s not doing this all by herself! Please contact Jessi a jklucas@gmail.com today to sign up!
If you’re curious about the origin story of these planters, check out these previous posts: