Sweetheart Potluck at Evans Pool

Kerrie Stoops, Assistant Aquatic Center Coordinator at Evans Pool (7201 E Green Lake Dr N), asked us to share news about two upcoming events at the pool:

Neighborhood Appreciation and Sweetheart Potluck at Evans Pool
Saturday February 11^th noon-2:30pm
Bring a dish to share at this free event!  Live music, family fun, friends, and food!  Everyone welcome.

Date Night at Evans Pool
Tuesday February 14^th 6-10pm
Children 6-13 years old are invited to join us for activities, playing SKWIM, watching a movie, and enjoying a snack while parents have a night out.
$25/child – registration can be done online, over the phone (206-684-4961) or in person.
Note:  Please pack suit and towel.  We are only serving snacks during this program.  Child should eat dinner prior to being dropped off.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2012.

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Post tags: bargain alert, building community, kids, parks and rec, swimming, valentine's day

Tom, a violinist and composer, used thumb pianos and violin to create a soundtrack for the footage. NE 71st St, the Green Lake Community Center’s roundabout, and East Green Lake Beach can all be seen.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: 1970s, film, swimming

Due to the nature of the work being done, the entire facility will be closed to the public. The public restrooms will be available for use, and can be accessed from the outside restroom doors.

Until Evans Pool reopens, patrons can use Ballard, Madison, Meadowbrook or Queen Anne pools:

Ballard Pool, 1471 NW 67 St. Seattle, WA 98117  206-684-4094

Helene Madison Pool, 13401 Meridian Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98133   206-684-4979

Meadowbrook Pool,  10517 35 NE Seattle, WA 98125   206-684-4989

Queen Anne Pool, 1920 1 Ave W Seattle, WA 98119  206-386-4282

The schedule of programs for other locations can be found here.

The Lifeguard Training class scheduled to begin December 21 has been moved to Medgar Evers Pool for the first week of class. Medgar Evers Pool is located at 500 23 Ave E. Seattle, WA  98122. The phone number is 206-684-4766. The class times will change slightly:

Wednesday, December 21, 3 – 8 p.m.

Thursday, December 22, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday, December 23, 3 – 8 p.m.

The community centers nearest to the Green Lake Community Center are Northgate, Ravenna-Eckstein, Bitter Lake and Loyal Heights. Check here for schedules and programs.

For more information, contact Green Lake Community Center at 684-0780 or Evans Pool at 684-4961.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: parks and rec, swimming

“Providing swimming lessons for children is our highest priority,” said Kathy Whitman, Parks Aquatics Manager, in a press release. “We have reduced our fees by 50% for those who qualify. We want to provide affordable swim lessons for all children, especially those who meet low income guidelines, but even 50% of the fee is still too expensive for many families.”

This year, Parks has been especially challenged by the depletion in the scholarship budget caused by City budget reductions. Through September 2011, Parks has provided half price swim lessons to 1,900 children, a value of more than $60,000. Of these kids, 978 qualified under federal guidelines for a higher level of scholarship, which used all of the $19,000 available in special funding.

“Special thanks go to Seattle Children’s Hospital for partnering with us to kick off the program and contributing supplemental funds to the Learn to Swim Scholarship Fund,” a statement from Parks read. “With Children’s help, we are one step closer to making sure all children in Seattle have the opportunity to learn to swim regardless of their ability to pay.”

To contribute to the Learn to Swim Scholarship Fund, visit a Seattle swimming pool to use cash, check, or VISA/MasterCard/American Express, or donate online. A donation of $260 would provide scholarship funding for 10 children.

Donors can set up recurring donations online and can designate donations on behalf of or in honor of someone. Donations are 100% tax-deductible, and Parks staff are happy to provide information to your Employer Matching Gift program.

Between 2005 and 2009, 129 King County residents drowned; of them, 18 were children 17 and younger.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: kids, parks and rec, swimming

There’s a lot going on this Halloween in the Green Lake neighborhood.

There will be a free Fall Pumpkin Swim at Evans Pool tomorrow evening (Friday, October 28, 2011), 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. The event features games, prizes and pumpkins in the pool.

The Green Lake Tacos Guaymas is hosting their annual Halloween Costume Party tomorrow night (October 28).

A Halloween Midnight Mystery Ride is planned for late tomorrow night (October 28). The costumed bike ride begins at 11:30 p.m. at the southwest corner of Green Lake, near the Aqua Theater.

On Saturday (October 29), 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., there will be a free all-ages harvest potluck on the deck of Evans Pool. Community members are invited to bring a dish to share with their neighbors and pool staff.

The First Annual Cider Fest at Freeway Estates Community Orchard is planned for Saturday (October 29), 2:00 p.m. – ­ 5:00 p.m.

Saturday night (October 29) brings a Halloween costume party to Little Red Hen (7115 Woodlawn Ave NE). Prizes will be awarded at midnight.

Meerkats, hippos, elephants, bears and more will do the annual smashing and chomping of pumpkins and scurrying through jack-o’lanterns at Woodland Park Zoo’s Pumpkin Bash on Saturday and Sunday (October 29 and 30).

Meerkats enjoy the zoo's Pumpkin Bash. Photo credit: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo

On Sunday (October 30), the annual Corgi Halloween Costume Parade Around Green Lake is planned for 11 a.m. Look for dozens of corgi dogs in costume.

The Green Lake Irwin’s Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe (301 NE 65th St) will be hosting a costume contest for children of all ages on Halloween (Monday, October 31), 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Contest winners will receive $10 and $25 gift certificates to Irwin’s.

Bethany Lutheran Church is hosting a “Trunk or Treat” in the church parking lot (7400 Woodlawn Ave NE) on Halloween evening, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Treats and hot cider will be available. For more information, call (206) 523-4454 or email secretary[at]bethanyluth.org.

Many homes around the neighborhood are welcoming trick-or-treaters (here’s our map). Of special note is the annual haunted house at 315 NE 60th St. The theme this year is Zombie Dodgeball, and the doors are open 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Also be sure to check out the decorations at the Tavis Residence, near the corner of Corliss Ave N and N 64th St:

Don’t forget that the North Helpline Food Bank is asking volunteers to collect food and personal care items while they trick-or-treat.

The annual Naked Pumpkin Run is scheduled for 9:21 p.m. on Halloween night.

On Tuesday, the day after Halloween (November 1), Greenlake Kids Dentistry is hosting their annual Halloween Candy Buy-Back program, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Troy Hull at the 2010 Halloween Candy Buy-Back event at Greenlake Kids Dentistry

Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention Coordinator Terrie Johnston shares the following Halloween safety tips:

Know your trail: What route will you take? Don’t take short cuts through alleyways, back yards or parks.
Whose homes will you visit? Advise your parents of your plans.
Is there an adult going along? If not, tell parents with whom you’ll be. Stay together w/your group and have a plan should someone get lost.
Only trick or treat at homes with front porch lights on.
NEVER enter the house or car of a stranger.
When will you be home? Carry a cell.phone & call if you will be late .
Carry a flashlight or light sticks. It makes it easier to see and shows you where you are going. Reflective tape/material is a good idea to add to your costume.
Make up is safer than a mask, which can make seeing difficult.
Drivers have a hard time seeing you at night, so cross the road carefully and stay on main streets/sidewalks. Use crosswalks, and wait for a walk signal. Never cross from between parked cars.
Be careful of open flames from pumpkins and candles, as they can catch your costume and long wigs on fire.
Are your shoes safe and comfortable for walking?
Have your parents check out your candy when you get home before you eat any.

For the Ghosts who stay at home
Greet treaters at the door.
Remove obstacles from sidewalk, porch and steps.
Keep a light on, so treaters can see where they are walking.
Use your peep hole and look outside before opening the door.
Don’t leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween.
Be mindful of pets around lit pumpkins.
Chocolate is poisonous to animals, as is tin foil or candy wrappers.

Remember you can call 9-1-1 to report suspicious or criminal activity, 24 hours a day.

And, a reminder that extra law enforcement will be out this weekend and on Halloween looking for impaired drivers. Patrols will begin Friday evening. According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, nearly half of all national highway fatalities on Halloween night in 2009 involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

Thanks for the tips, Kristen, Martin, Carl and Tracy. Have a great weekend and a wonderful Halloween, everyone!

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: building community, cycling, dogs, halloween, kids, local businesses, party, safety, swimming, zoo

The Fall Pumpkin Swim will be on Friday, October 28, 2011, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. There will be games, prizes, and pumpkins in the pool. All ages are welcome, but children under six must be accompanied in the water by an adult who is within arm’s reach.

On Saturday, October 29, 2011, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., there will be an all-ages harvest potluck on the pool deck. Community members are invited to bring a dish to share with their neighbors and pool staff.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: bargain alert, building community, halloween, kids, parks and rec, swimming

On sunny days like those that we have been enjoying lately, my mother used to take my brother and me to Evans Pool to enjoy an hour of swimming before going to the Green Lake Library. It was also the same pool where we took swimming lessons with an instructor who taught us to not be afraid of getting our faces wet, and ultimately, to love swimming.

Today I am very grateful to my parents for paying for swimming lessons (multiple times and with many instructors, because it took longer than expected to get over that fear of getting my face wet). I realize that swimming lessons can be cost prohibitive for some, and I was excited to learn about the financial support available to those who qualify, so that every child has the chance to learn to swim.

Evans Pool (7201 E Green Lake Dr N) is “one of eight indoor pools operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation,” according to the Seattle Parks and Recreation website. All eight participate in reduced-fee and scholarship programs, says Diane Jones, Aquatic Center Coordinator at Southwest Pool.

While swimming lessons cost $6.50 to $12 per lesson, depending on the age group, Aquatics Manager Kathy Whitman says that the reduced-fee program covers half the cost for eligible applicants.

When there is scholarship money available, applicants may receive even more. “There are so many families that would qualify for eighty or ninety percent [total fee reduction],” she says.

However, as both Diane and Kathy admit, the scholarship money can run out.

“We have already used up all the [scholarship] money for this year,” Diane says.

Kathy reports that they received $19,000 for scholarships this year, and “all of that has been used.”

The money is usually donated from companies and partners. When asked when she thinks they will have more scholarship funds, Diane replied, “I really don’t know.”

Unlike the scholarship money, however, Diane says that the reduced-fee program is available to “anyone who qualifies” and the program does not run out of money.

Donna Sammons, Aquatic Center Coordinator at Evans Pool, says “To apply [for the reduced-fee program], a person can go to any community center or pool and ask for a scholarship application. […] This year’s forms are breezy blue. Applicants should read the form and fill out the form completely and indicate their preferred site and/or program.”

When submitting the form to the site of their choice, applicants are required to also provide copies of their latest 1040 Income Tax Form (with the Social Security number blacked out).

At Evans Pool, Donna uses Income Guidelines from the Seattle Parks and Recreation Scholarship Office. The reduction she approves is then subject to final approval by the Scholarship Office, which reviews the situation and then notifies the pool of the final decision.

Donna reminds applicants that “All fee reductions should be applied for before enrollment in a class.  We cannot go in and retroactively apply the fee reduction.” However, she says, “The fee reduction may be applied to the next class enrollment.”

The process for scholarships beyond the 50% fee reduction would be the same, if there was money to give out.

“We would welcome any donation,” says Kathy. “We really have a critical need right now for children to get swimming lessons.”

She notes that Seattle is a city surrounded by water, and swimming skills can expand recreational opportunities in the Northwest. These opportunities include boating, rafting and other “outdoor adventures” which may be dangerous without swimming ability.

According to an informational handout [PDF], Seattle Children’s Hospital is partnering with many community organizations to “increase access to swimming and water recreation among culturally diverse and low income families in Seattle and King County, Washington” through their Everyone Swims! Initiative.

Sarah Stempski, Program Coordinator at Seattle Children’s, says “The biggest thing to remember is that we are working on system and policy change, not a program. For example, Everyone Swims! does not have a scholarship program; we work with our partners to make their scholarship process the best that it can be.”

Unfortunately, the Seattle Parks and Recreation scholarship fund is depleted.

“How do we teach this life skill? How do we keep children safe? How do we provide fun opportunities?” Kathy asks.

It is important to know the answer to these questions.

“Drowning is the second leading cause of death nationwide,” Kathy says. “And teens in various ethnic groups, […] in this area Vietnamese teens, are at the highest risk.”

She estimates that only half of the qualified families received scholarships this year, due to low funds. In order for all the families to receive scholarships, she says there would need to be a scholarship fund of $40,000 per year, twice as much funding as they currently receive.

Jody B., PPT cashier, says “I know it [the financial assistance] helps a lot of families. […] The price makes it affordable.” According to Jody, many of the families previously did not know about the scholarship and fee-reduction programs, and “leave with a sense of hope in their smile and step.”

She says, “It’s a good feeling to know one has helped.”

Donations are accepted from individuals and companies. If you are interested in donating to the Seattle Parks and Recreation scholarship fund, please contact Kathy Whitman at kathy.whitman [at] seattle.gov or (206) 684-7099.

©Shelly Najjar for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: kids, parks and rec, swimming

West Green Lake Beach

Earlier this afternoon (Monday, July 25, 2011), we received a note from Marleen Arenivar.

Marleen says that her son was swimming at West Green Lake Beach (7312 W Green Lake Dr N) on Friday. ”He came home that day with a rash all over his body,” Marleen reports. “I thought it was Swimmers’ Itch so I sent him to take a shower right away. It turns out it got worse over the weekend. So I called his pediatrician who asked to see him this morning.”

The pediatrician prescribed an antibiotic to Marleen’s son after determining that the boy was exposed to bacteria. Marleen believes he was exposed while swimming in Green Lake. “I know as a parent I’m letting my neighbors know,” Marleen says, “so their kids won’t get the same thing.”

Seattle Parks and Recreation advises that Swimmers’ Itch, which is also known as cercarial dermatitis, is caused by a tiny parasite which is found in waterfowl and snails. If water is allowed to dry on the skin, the Parks website says, the tiny parasite penetrates the skin and dies shortly thereafter. It can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

“Although irritating, Swimmers’ Itch is not dangerous and cannot be transmitted from one person to another,” reads the website. “Small red spots may appear and begin to itch. The rash usually lasts about five days. Contact your physician for medications to reduce itching.”

An example of Swimmers' Itch. Photo credit: Cornellier

The Parks website shares these tips for preventing Swimmers’ Itch:

• Tests have shown that liberally applied waterproof sunscreen before swimming may reduce the risk of Swimmers’ Itch.
• Towel off or shower IMMEDIATELY after leaving the water (including the area under your swim suit)
• Swim away from shore. Most parasites are found in shallow water. Swimming, rather than wading reduces the risk of contacting the Swimmers’ Itch.
• Do not feed geese or ducks. Human food is not good for waterfowl. Parasites from waterfowl cause Swimmers’ Itch.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: health, parks and rec, swimming

Thinking about swimming in Green Lake? Here’s what you need to know:

Where to swim at Green Lake

Green Lake has two swimming beaches that are kept clear of boats and aquatic weeds. East Green Lake Beach is located at 7201 E Green Lake Dr N and West Green Lake Beach is at 7312 W Green Lake Dr N.

Swimming in Green Lake is regulated by the Seattle Municipal Code. SMC 16.28.010 dictates that swimmers must stay within designated swimming areas or within 50 feet from the shore, unless the swimmer is accompanied by a boat within 25 feet of the swimmer that has a personal floatation device for the swimmer on board.

When to swim at Green Lake

Both beaches are staffed by lifeguards daily, weather permitting, noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

This summer, East Green Lake Beach will be open until Sunday, August 28, 2011 and West Green Lake Beach will stay open until Monday, Sept. 5, 2011.

Before heading out for a swim, you can check recent Green Lake temperatures, as well as bacteria and algal toxin levels, here.

Water safety

The Seattle Police Department Harbor Patrol Unit responds to approximately 6,000 service calls each year, the majority of which occur during the summer months.

The Harbor Unit has developed the following list of water safety tips:

• Insist properly fitted PFD’s (Personal Floatation Devices) be worn by everyone riding in a boat or being towed on an inner tube, skis or other device.
• Never allow alcohol to be consumed when around the water.
• Never swim in unsupervised areas, and never swim alone.
• Do not dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water because of the risk of spinal cord or head injuries.
• Go to shore when changing places in small tippy boats or canoes.
• Limit boating to safe weather and water conditions.
• Teach your child to swim or enroll them in swim classes.
• Children should not jump into the pool on their own until they are able to climb out on their own.
• If a river carries a stick faster than you can walk on shore, it’s moving too fast.
• Don’t swim in or around lily pads because arms or legs may become entangled.

Note: An earlier version of this story indicated that SPD has ticketed Green Lake swimmers this summer. In fact, no tickets have been issued.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: safety, swimming

All are welcome to join drop-in SKWIM games on Friday July 22, Friday August 12, and Friday August 26, 2011, 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

The cost is $4.75 for adults and $3.25 for youth and seniors. Play is limited to the first 24 players.

SKWIM is a new water sport that combines elements from water polo and Ultimate Frisbee. Players wear fins designed specifically for game play and throw a soft and flexible disk. Fins and other equipment are provided by the pool for use at the facility.

SKWIM can be played by swimmers of all ages and ability levels, but children under the age of 6 must have a parent next to them, and children older than 6 need to be mobile in the water with the use of a life jacket.

You can read more about SKWIM here.

Seattle Parks flier - click to enlarge

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: kids, parks and rec, swimming, teens