Category Archives: Community Events

Planters on 14th are on the move – volunteer opportunities starting this weekend

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EBCA volunteers watering the newly installed planters on 14th in 2010
EBCA volunteers watering the newly installed planters on 14th Ave NW in 2010

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:

Planter Partnerships on 14th – What we’re planning to do with the grant money
Check out the new planters on 14th and 60th! More to come in the next few weeks.
Thanks for all the Fish!

Join us Oct 30 for a Fall Festival in Gemenskap Park and Salmon Bay Park

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Fall Festival at Gemenskap Park and Salmon Bay Park
Sunday October 30, 2022

10:30 AM-12:30 PM Gemenskap Park – 5910 14th Ave NW
1:00 PM-3:00 PM Salmon Bay Park – 2001 NW Canoe Pl

Join the East Ballard Community Association and Salmon Bay Park Stewards for a Fall Festival in two of our favorite Ballard Parks – Gemenskap Park and Salmon Bay Park. There will be fun for all, including a pets and people costume parade, a pumpkin patch, treats, and more!

got questions or want to help out? Contact us at eastballard@gmail.com

Join us for August Night Out Tuesday Aug 2 in Gemenskap Park

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Picnic basket on a blanket with food to share for a potluck

Bring a dish and/or beverage to share and enjoy a lovely evening in Gemenskap Park with your neighbors!

WHEN: Tuesday August 2, 2022 6pm-9pm

WHERE: Gemenskap Park – 14th Ave NW (meet in the plaza at NW 60th St)

Night Out is a national event promoted in Seattle by Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention. It is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite our communities. Night Out is traditionally held on the first Tuesday night in August.

Questions? Reach out to us at eastballard@gmail.com

Join us for a Spring Egg Hunt Saturday April 16 in Gemenskap Park

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WHO: Families and friends of East Ballard & Gemenskap Park

WHAT: We’re slowly getting back to hosting events in the park again! We’re kicking things off this year with a super simple Spring Egg Hunt. Bring your own baskets. We will cancel if it’s raining!

WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2022. The hunt for kids 1-4 years will start at 9:30 am sharp. We’ll then set up for a second hunt at 10am for kids 5 and older.

WHERE: Gemenskap Park – 14th Ave NW (Between NW 59th St/ NW 61st St)

WHY: It’s a beautiful park to enjoy and we want to play in it now that the weather is getting nicer. Come join us to cheer on the kids and hang out to catch up with your neighbors! Bring your kids and furry friends too!

Questions? Reach out to us at eastballard@gmail.com

Sign up today for EBCA Spring Clean while distancing!

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This is our bi-annual neighborhood clean up event with a little twist due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead of a one-day event with a large group of volunteers, we are asking that you commit to a section of the neighborhood to pick up trash and/or weed the rain gardens and medians along 14th Ave NW.

Sign up today via SignUp Genius where you can adopt a section or 2 or 3 of your choice and commit to a task to be completed by the end of May (dates are flexible!). Join in the fun by maintaining a safe distance and share your pics on Instagram with #ebcacleanup.

Guidelines for safe participation
– Wear a mask
– Maintain 6′ distancing – Check here to see what that looks like
– Wear a safety vest
– Bring your own tools and bags or arrange to pick up from EBCA*
– Be smart and check out additional Covid-19 resources from the state of Washington
– Post photos to Instagram #ebcacleanup or email to eastballard@gmail.com.

What are you waiting for?
Sign up today to help keep our neighborhood clean and beautiful.

*Vests, bags, gloves and picker uppers are available upon request.
Please contact Dawn at eastballard@gmail.com to schedule a pick up.

Spring Clean while distancing May 16-31 – Sign up today!

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This is our bi-annual neighborhood clean up event with a little twist due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead of a one-day event with a large group of volunteers, we are asking that you commit to a section of the neighborhood to pick up trash and/or weed the rain gardens and medians along 14th Ave NW.

Sign up today via SignUp Genius where you can adopt a section or 2 or 3 of your choice and commit to a task to be completed from May 16 to the end of the month (dates are flexible!). Join in the fun by maintaining a safe distance and share your pics on Instagram with #ebcacleanup.

Guidelines for safe participation
– Wear a mask
– Maintain 6′ distancing – Check here to see what that looks like
– Wear a safety vest
– Bring your own tools and bags or arrange to pick up from EBCA*
– Be smart and check out additional Covid-19 resources from the state of Washington
– Post photos to Instagram #ebcacleanup or email to eastballard@gmail.com.

What are you waiting for?
Sign up today to help keep our neighborhood clean and beautiful.

*Vests, bags, gloves and picker uppers are available upon request.
Please contact Dawn at eastballard@gmail.com to schedule a pick up.

Autumn Clean while distancing -Extended until all volunteer slots are filled

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We had a great volunteer turn out for our Autumn Clean. Many Many thanks to Jen and her daughters Clara and Lydia, John and Erin, and Peter who weeded the rain gardens in Gemenskap Park. Thank you to Christy who weeded the rain gardens at NW 58th, and Dave, David, and Peter who picked up trash along 14th Ave NW!

There are still more opportunities to help clean up the neighborhood. We will keep this going until all the slots are filled. Click on the SignUp Genius link and volunteer today! Vests, bags, gloves and picker uppers are available upon request.

Got a student at home who needs volunteer hours? This is a great opportunity for them to give back to the community!

Please contact Dawn at eastballard@gmail.com to get your gear, get your volunteer form signed or to answer any questions you may have!

Join in the fun by maintaining a safe distance and share your pics on Instagram with #ebcacleanup.

Guidelines for safe participation
– Wear a mask
– Maintain 6′ distancing – Check here to see what that looks like
– Wear a safety vest
– Bring your own tools and bags or arrange to pick up from EBCA
– Be smart and check out additional resources from the state of Washington
– Post photos to Instagram #ebcacleanup

Autumn Clean while distancing Sign up Nov 21-29

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This is our bi-annual neighborhood clean up event with a little twist due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead of a one-day event with a large group of volunteers, we are asking that you commit to a section of the neighborhood to pick up trash and/or weed the rain gardens and medians along 14th Ave NW.

Sign up today via SignUp Genius where you can adopt a section or 2 or 3 of your choice and commit to a task to be completed between November 21 and November 29. Join in the fun by maintaining a safe distance and share your pics on Instagram with #ebcacleanup.

Guidelines for safe participation
– Wear a mask
– Maintain 6′ distancing – Check here to see what that looks like
– Wear a safety vest
– Bring your own tools and bags or arrange to pick up from EBCA
– Be smart and check out additional resources from the state of Washington
– Post photos to Instagram #ebcacleanup

What are you waiting for?
Sign up today to help keep our neighborhood clean and beautiful.

Vests, bags, gloves and picker uppers are available upon request.
Please contact Dawn at eastballard@gmail.com to schedule a pick up.

Spring Clean while distancing – Sign up May 30-June 14

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This is our bi-annual neighborhood clean up event with a little twist due to the current state of emergency as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Instead of a one-day event with a large group of volunteers, we are asking that you commit to a section of the neighborhood to pick up trash and/or weed the rain gardens and medians along 14th Ave NW.

Sign up today via SignUp Genius where you can adopt a section or 2 or 3 of your choice and commit to a task to be completed between May 30th and June 14. Join in the fun by maintaining a safe distance and share your pics on Instagram with #ebcacleanup.

Guidelines for safe participation
– Wear a mask
– Maintain 6′ distancing – Check here to see what that looks like
– Wear a safety vest
– Bring your own tools and bags or arrange to pick up from EBCA
– Be smart and check out additional resources from the state of Washington
– Post photos to Instagram #ebcacleanup

What are you waiting for?
Sign up today to help keep our neighborhood clean and beautiful.

Vests, bags, gloves and picker uppers are available upon request.
Please contact Dawn at eastballard@gmail.com to schedule a pick up.

Join us for a Spring Fling April 11 in Gemenskap Park! Volunteer and giving opportunities too!

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WHO:: Families and friends of East Ballard & Gemenskap Park

WHAT:: This year’s East Ballard Spring Fling in Gemenskap Park will kick off with a spring bonnet parade, followed by our 2nd annual egg hunt for all ages. We’ll have refreshments, face painting, games, prizes and community. Bring your kids and furry friends too! 

WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2020 from 10:00am – 1:00pm

WHERE:: Gemenskap Park – 14th Ave NW (Between NW 59th St/ NW 61st St)

WHY::  It’s a beautiful park to enjoy and we want to play in it now that the weather is getting nicer

Volunteer & Giving Opportunities

This is an all-volunteer run event that we’re funding with donations and time. We would love for YOU to join us! Here’s how you can help. Contact as at eastballard@gmail.com if you’re interested in any of the following:

  • Participate in our planning meetings. The next one will be March 12 at 7PM. Contact us for location.
  • Help us on the day of the event (set up, break down, coordinate games, keep the refreshments table in order, and more)
  • Bring a healthy snack to share at the event
  • Be part of the entertainment – we’d love to hear your idea and get your help
  • Make a tax-deductible donation to support this and future events by donating to Groundswell NW (our fiscal sponsor) and adding a note that your giving to the East Ballard Community Association – http://www.groundswellnw.org/donate
  • Save your Ballard Market Receipts and bring to EBCA events or drop off at Blowing Sands Glass. Ballard Market donates 1% of the purchase to EBCA!