ace in White Center White in ace Creating Community Open Sp Open Community Creating Tactical Landscapes: Landscapes: Tactical Watershed: Watershed: History & Hydrology N
History of changes in watershed and current watershed boundaries
p. 1 Wetlands & Wetlands Habitats Department of Land- scape Architecture, University of Washington | Project Design Studio, Winter 2007 | Instruc- Hou | Student tor: Jeff Group: Savannah Hines- Kale- Tehia Elzinga & baugh
e D t n Nor Souther
e
l
a
d
r
e yg
v
o
Cl m Ham
rs
Mye
n ows north. w
o fl
m
n
m a
H Unk Arbor Lake
Arbor Lake Park
m
m
a ll and doesn’t drain. ows toward Lake Hicks. t s
1
t s 1 fi fl H
n
lso O Puget Sound Park
th
8
2
1 Westcrest Park Westcrest Hazel Park Valley Evergreen Athletic Field Salmon Creek Park
y
r Lakewood Park Seattle
u
- b
x White Center Heights Park Lake Garrett
o West Seattle Reservoir West
R White Center Heights Park
Park
m u a b m A Highland
r e White Center Pond Natural Area t
n White Center Park
White Center Pond Natural Area e
th C 6 e 1
it White Center Pond Natural Area
h
h t 7 1 W ge id lr Salmon Creek Waterway
De
ltration.
k
e fi
e
r
C
n
o Seahurst Park
m l
a S Salmon Creek Ravine North Shorewood Park Shorewood Park Roxhill Playground
owed north to Longfellow Creek, but now is compacted
fl
h
c
a
e
B
a l
o e Seola Park S
Puget Sound
h t 5 3 owing north. White Center Greenway and bog, composed of three cells, was originally a headwater site that Collects stormwater for slow in Hydrology of cell three in the bog is controlled by Mallard Lake when it Flow moves from Lake Mallard to Hicks the Salmon Creek Ravine. White Center Heights Park is a critical aquifer recharge area and The small wetlands north of Seola, were created by the mining peat, and currently drain toward the Seola Ravine area. The recent creek daylighting at Roxhill playground is a headwater site to Longfellow Creek fl Park
ghts Park y Water Flow Directions: Water • • • • • • y lled, drained and fi White Center ood control. fl ooding and increase capacity. fl ood control, reducing watershed area by 30 percent. Comliance with the Clean Water Act. Comliance with the Clean Water Increase habitat: salmon, trout, species migration. Improve recreation and aesthetic values. Act. Must meet requirements of the Endangered Species solutions to surface water drainage problems. Cost effective Reduce Stewardship programs to engage the community. fl dredged to support growing industrial and port activities. 1939-1941 WW2 had large impact on housing, jobs, and land use. The Green/Duwamish River is channelized and diked 1895-1980 - for navigation and 1945-2000 - Residential, commercial, and industrial land uses expand, largely replacing farmlands and forests in the western half of the WRIA. The Green/Duwamish River History Watershed 1851 - European settlement begins in the Duwamish River. 1880-1910 - Logging occurs across much of the watershed and in the lower river valley; agricultural land use expands. - White River is diverted from Green to Puyallup 1911 for 1916 - Black and Cedar Rivers are diverted from Duwamish to improve navigation, further reducing River to Lake Washington watershed area by 40 percent from its original size. 1900-1940 - Duwamish estuary tidelands are Salmon Creek Basin Plan • • • • • • •
ace in White Center White in ace Creating Community Open Sp Open Community Creating Tactical Landscapes: Landscapes: Tactical Mapping of current wetlands, water bodies, parks, & open spaces Current Conditions p. 2 Wetlands & Wetlands Habitats Department of Land- scape Architecture, University of Washington | Project Design Studio, Winter 2007 | Instruc- Hou | Student tor: Jeff Group: Savannah Hines- Kale- Tehia Elzinga & baugh N
Ham
rs
Mye
n
w
o
m
n
m a
H Unk Arbor Lake
Arbor Lake Park
m
m
a
t s 1 H Puget Sound Park
th
8
2
1 Hazel Park Valley Evergreen Athletic Field Salmon Creek Park
y
r Lakewood Park
u
b
x White Center Heights Park Lake Garrett
o
R White Center Heights Park
m u a b m A
r e White Center Pond Natural Area t
n White Center Park
White Center Pond Natural Area e
h t C 6 e 1
it White Center Pond Natural Area
h
h t 7 1 W e
Salmon Creek Waterway
k
e
e
r
C
n
o
m l
a S Salmon Creek Ravine North Shorewood Park
Shorewood Park
Roxhill Playground
h
c
a
e
B
a l
o e Seola Park S uget Sound P Habitat Zone Waterbody Wetland Parks N Current Conditions Although some of the habitat zones are associated with the existing parks and open spaces; most are in ravines and left-over spaces. These spaces currently form a patch- work of unlinked sanctuaries for primar- ily urban species. Most of the wetlands associated with parks lack any sort of education and/or programming. There are currently community groups that are actively taking a role in enhanc- ing these areas (cleaning, weeding, and activi- keeping their eyes on the park’s ties).
ace in White Center White in ace Creating Community Open Sp Open Community Creating Tactical Landscapes: Landscapes: Tactical Current Conditions Taking a in depth Taking look at potential sites current conditions and opportunities for improvements N p. 3 Wetlands & Wetlands Habitats Department of Land- scape Architecture, University of Washington | Project Design Studio, Winter 2007 | Instruc- Hou | Student tor: Jeff Group: Savannah Hines- Kale- Tehia Elzinga & baugh
Ham
rs
Mye
n
w
o
n
m a
H Unk
7
a
t s 1 H 6
th
8
2
1 5 3
y
r
u
b
x
o
R
4
m u a b m A 1 nding fi 2
r te
n
e
h t C 6 e 1
it
h
h t 7
1 W
k
e
e
r
C
n
o
12 m l
a S Salmon Creek Ravine 8 9 10
11
h
c
a
e
B
a l
o e S uget Sound Broad Opportunities Creation of cohesive community based stewardship and training Pathways should be easy to follow and surfaces accessible for all pedestrians Maps are provided at trailheads for way Street” like linkage from park to “SEA Green spaces are linked by sidewalks Create Interpretive Signage / Education Sittable Spaces Platforms Viewing Lighting in appropriate areas retention Safe walkways quality improvement Water stormwater stormwater contaminate treatment P
lter and treat fi ows north to the ows south toward fl fl nding. fi : Add low native plants to : restoration, clear : Wetland and : Lighting, accessibility, ows. This lake fl This area is located north of the White Center At the The ponds consist of three cells. Park. north end, cells one and two have been cleared and replanted, but cell three is in the planning stage. Crime has been greatly reduced in a connection from the cleared areas. Currently, 98th Street through to the new Hope VI project is desired and the city will build a pedestrian bridge over the bog. Recent improvements have provided improved habitat and given native plants species a chance for survival. Opportunities for this site on page 6. 1) White Center Greenway 2) Mallard Lake Mallard Lake is located just south of White Center Park and sits behind the Coronado There is a three foot chain link Apartments. fence all around the lake and a small culvert in which water 3) White Center Heights Park 4) Lakewood Park and Lake Hicks White Center Greenway bog when full. This has White Center Greenway bog when full. been an area of high crime and the reduced planting keep the view corridors open. Ducks and geese heavily use the pond causing high levels of fecal contamination. Opportunities Add lighting and encourage native habitat. outdoor furniture. this park received a $550,000 Recently, to renovate. Coffee donation from Starbuck’s there is an extensive wetland and Currently, pond on this site that is not being used as There are limited productive open space. view corridors and dense invasive foliage that restricts movement through the site. Opprotunities sittable pathways, establish site identitiy, spaces, and way Lake Hicks, also called Garrett, has a The phosphorous and fecal water quality issue. treatment A cloriform levels are high in the lake. of alum has been proposed to reduce the algae blooms and it is uncertain how to deal with a swale system was put the ducks. Recently, in place near the parking lot, to This lake stormwater runoff. This is a popular the Salmon Creek Ravine. park in the summer months. Opportunities reduce duck populations.
ace in White Center White in ace Creating Community Open Sp Open Community Creating Tactical Landscapes: Landscapes: Tactical Current Conditions N p. 4 Taking a in depth Taking look at potential sites current conditions and opportunities for improvements Wetlands & Wetlands Habitats Department of Land- scape Architecture, University of Washington | Project Design Studio, Winter 2007 | Instruc- Hou | Student tor: Jeff Group: Savannah Hines- Kale- Tehia Elzinga & baugh
Ham
rs
Mye
n
w
o
n
m a
H Unk
7
a
t s 1 H 6
h
t
8
2
1 Trash Maintenance Lack of stewardship Safety in dark areas Limited view corridors Overgrowth / invasive plants Lack of programming Ducks and geese / fecal contamination Stormwater and water quality Flooding in upper wataershed Broad Concerns: • • • • • • • • • • 5 3
y
r
u
b
x
o
R
4
m u a b m A 1 2
r te
n
e
h t C 6 e 1
it
h
h t 7
1 W
k
e
e
r
C
n
o
12 m l
a S Salmon Creek Ravine 8 9 10
11
h
c
a
e
B
a l
o e S uget Sound P Increase native plantings to ncrease native plantings and Improve lighting, accessable Coordination of community
ncrease native plantings, and clear out i These two urban parks are mostly grass with The very little programming or habitat potential. trees are widely spaced. Opportunities: encourage more native spicies. This park consists of a wide open grass area The second growth forest and a forested area. is well limbed up to keep the site lines open, but it is still a dim space. Opportunities: path system, add low native plantings to stabilize slopes. 6) Puget Sound Park and Hazelwood Park Adjacent to Hamm Creek, this linear space is a invasive Currently, possible migratory corridor. english ivy and blackberry dominate. Opportunities: I clear out invasive material to encourage more native species. 8) North Shorewood Park This 6.27 acre park is surrounded by residential streets and has had crime issues in the past. neighborhood groups have effectively Today, reduce the amount of crime by being a stronger There are extensive trails presence in the park. through a combination of native and invasive overgrowth. Many “urban” species, such as raccoon and coyote, have been seen here. Opportunities: care, invasive material to encourage more native species. 7) Freeway Greenbelt 5) Salmon Creek Park
ace in White Center White in ace Creating Community Open Sp Open Community Creating Tactical Landscapes: Landscapes: Tactical Current Conditions Taking a in depth Taking look at potential sites current conditions and opportunities for improvements p. 5 Wetlands & Wetlands Habitats N Department of Land- scape Architecture, University of Washington | Project Design Studio, Winter 2007 | Instruc- Hou | Student tor: Jeff Group: Savannah Hines- Kale- Tehia Elzinga & baugh
Ham
rs
Mye
n
w
o
n
m a
H Unk
7
a
t s 1 H 6
h
t
8
2
1 5 3
y
r
u
b
x
o
R
4
m u a b m A 1 2
r te
n
e
h t 6 eC 1
it
h
h t 7
1 W
k
e
e
r
C
n
o
12 m l
a S Salmon Creek Ravine 8 9 10
11
h
c
a
e
B
a l
o e S uget Sound P nding, increase fi A detailed plan of action is A This space is a perfect Improved way t greatly from the addition of lighting, fi ow to the creek, while improving salmon 9) Roxhill Park Recently a portion of the park, starting along This area is the Roxhill Street, was daylighted. headwaters of Longfellow Creek, the objective was to improve water quality and steady fl This is also an educational resource, a habitat. place to walk and relax, birdwatch. patches 10) Wetland These patches were created from the excavation of peat. Currently they are overgrown and lack visual access. Opportunities: connection to Seola Ravine. It could potentially It would act as a habitat and human corridor. bene signage, and removal of invasives. Seola Park and Ravine 11) The dramatic topography creates a interesting space that has limited access and use for the public. Opportunities: in sidewalks along Seola Drive, and possible viewing platform. 12) Salmon Creek Ravine and Park Similar to Seola Beach Drive this park has very limited access and low habitat diversity. Opportunities: currently in the works.
ace in White Center White in ace Creating Community Open Sp Open Community Creating Tactical Landscapes: Landscapes: Tactical p. 6 Ideas on how this already successful space can be improved Wetlands & Wetlands Habitats Department of Land- scape Architecture, University of Washington | Project Design Studio, Winter 2007 | Instruc- Hou | Student tor: Jeff Group: Savannah Hines- Kale- Tehia Elzinga & baugh White Center Greenway: Circulation, Programming Potential, & Habitat Enhancement nding plan as fi
nding Plan: nding y that prefer thin stemed rushes and open areas. Other fl fi ltration area, it is becoming a home to many native species. The ltration area, it is becoming a home to many native species. fi Interpretive signs can be used to guide and inform the visitor These signs could be map kiosks through the wetland complex. at key locations, small informational signs, or directional markers. suggest these be made of a concrete base with reinforced We steel and phenolic panel that can be easily cleaned or replaced. Park Way suggest looking at the Washington We an example at www.depts.washington.edu/wpa Habitat Enhancment: Though this site primarily functions as a stormwater retention and in incoporation of native plant material can encourage or discourage certain species. Cell one and two have been designed to attract dragon species that should be encouraged include various amphibians (not bullfrog), and small birds. Circulation / Programming: Way Currently there is no real pedestrian link to White Center Heights Outdoor lighting and furniture would on the 98th St. corridor. make this a space that users would do more than just walk The through. Instead it could easily become a destination. addition of a walking loop that ties into the existing walkway on the west side would make space more accessible from all sides (thus opening visual corridors and making it easier to patrol). Current pathway that links WC Greenway to WC Park Potential 98th St. connection with White Center Heights Potential addition to existing path- way to form walking loop
ace in White Center White in ace Creating Community Open Sp Open Community Creating Tactical Landscapes: Landscapes: Tactical p. 7 Precedents & Wetlands Habitats Department of Land- scape Architecture, University of Washington | Project Design Studio, Winter 2007 | Instruc- Hou | Student tor: Jeff Group: Savannah Hines- Kale- Tehia Elzinga & baugh t fi
elds, with Ravenna fi
ll, then ball fi eld retained. Along with daylighting; permeable paths, eld retained. fi nding and interpretive signs, space for large gatherings fi Creek put into a pipe. The area was excavated, with only one Creek put into a pipe. softball way were added. Ravenna Creek is a good example of multi-use space that incorporates native habitat restoration. (map below) The Narbeck Wetland has been developed as a living example The Narbeck Wetland and erosion control, habitat for to illustrate the need for runoff wildlife species of all kinds, and for environmental education involvement for all of the people in communities its region. The wetlands and greenbelts of White Center have the potential to educate and inspire their residents build a stronger community. This site was originally a land 1) Ravenna Creek Daylighting: Sanctuary Park: 2) Narbeck Wetland and the 3) Thornton Creek Watershed Alliance: Thornton Creek Streets: 4) SEA Alternatives is designed to integrate stormwater Street Edge The curbless design catches retention with sidewalks and streets. This precedent demonstrates a method to cre- stormwater runoff. ate rain garden corridors between wetland areas. The Thornton Creek area demontrates very well what can be The Though there accomplished when a community works together. is still a lot to do, bit by bit, the creek and wetlands are being restored and the salmon are returning. Alliance (TCA) is a grassroots, nonpro Thornton Creek The organization dedicated to preserving and restoring an ecologi- encourages TCA Thornton Creek watershed. cal balance in the individuals, schools, groups, businesses and government to work together to address watershed issues and assists in developing community stewardship programs. For more information go to http:www.scn.org/tca/
1) 2) 2)
3) 3) 4)