07.07.2023

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Today’s Forecast

It’s a total makeover

Seattle breaks ground on new park in Little Saigon

The lot where the Little Saigon Park will go was purchased by Parks and Rec back in 2013. | Renderings via Seattle Parks and Rec

Talk about a major glow-up. What started as a humble gravel lot in Little Saigon is now on its way into becoming a cute, little green space in the subsection of the Chinatown-International District.

Yesterday, Seattle Parks and Rec broke ground on Little Saigon Park, one of 14 landbanked sites that the department purchased with the intention of providing more green spaces in urban neighborhoods.

Plans to turn the lot at 1224 S. King St. into something a little more inviting than a small rock field came into focus in 2018 and developed with a project budget of ~$3.6 million.

Parks and Rec is aiming to have the new space open for Lunar New Year in 2024. Here’s what to expect.

Fresh amenities

While the new park is only .27 acres, there’s a lot going into it.

The overall design of the park has been built out to reflect the cultural character of the surrounding neighborhood. There will be public art created by Seattle artist Kalina Chung and bold landscaping with vibrant flowers + trees like the Chinese Elm.

The park is also designed to include plenty of space for public events and other areas for sitting and relaxing with a lawn, plaza, amphitheater, and movable tables + chairs. There will also be a cute play area for the kiddos and parking for food trucks.

Another neat feature that will make the park distinct from its counterparts is the 20-ft grade change between ends, creating a sloping effect.

Folks who want to follow along with construction updates can do so on the Parks and Rec website. Also, look out for an opportunity to help name the park coming down the pipeline soon.

Events

Friday, July 7

Worldwide Puns | Friday, July 7 | 7-8 p.m. | Fremont Abbey Arts Center, 4272 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle | $12-$22 | Get ready for a heavy dose of eye-rolling in this pun-slinging competition by comedians and audience members.
Timmy Booth | Friday, July 7-Saturday, July 8 | Times vary | Club Comedy Seattle, 328 15th Ave. E., Seattle | $20 | This comedian from North Carolina has made appearances in local satirical news site The Needling.

Saturday, July 8

Photography Essentials: Part 1 | Saturday, July 8| 9:30-11:00 a.m. | Glazer’s Camera, 811 Republican St., Seattle | $50 | Learn some of the tricky beginner stuff like choosing a memory card, understanding composition, and how to pick aperture and shutter speeds.
Second Saturday Work Party | Saturday, July 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave. E., Seattle | Free | Mingle with community members while cleaning up garden beds around the park — rain or shine.

Sunday, July 9

Yoga + Wine | Sunday, July 9 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Rocky Pond, 13475 NE Village Dr. Ste. 1010, Woodinville | $20 | Bring your own mat for an all-levels class before topping it off with a glass (or bottle) of wine.
Mount Baker Garden Tour and Summer Festival | Sunday, July 9 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Mount Baker Neighborhood, 2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S., Seattle | $25 | Tour eight gardens in the southeastern neighborhood with an art festival to top off the experience.
Drag Karaoke | Sunday, July 9-Sunday, Oct. 22 | 7:30-11:30 p.m. | Julia’s on Broadway, 300 Broadway E., Seattle | Free | Karaoke is even more fun when you have a drag queen to intro your ground-breaking vocal performance.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Eat

The Central District has a new pizza joint. Two former employees of Ethan Stowell restaurants have opened Jackson Street Pizza Lounge consists of Neapolitan-style pies with creative flavors like the El Pastor with pineapple, chorizo, and honey. (Eater Seattle)

Arts

As the saying goes, art imitates sports. Pioneer Square’s the RailSpur building has unveiled a new baseball-themed art exhibit for MLB All-Star Week. The exhibit at 100 S. King St. includes murals created by seven local artists that feature local Mariners players and other iconic parts of the game. (KING 5)

Open

Well, this is pretty cool. Local coffee and shaved ice shack the Shore House is now open near Golden Gardens at 6300 Seaview Ave. Owner Tim Larson said the frozen treat stand has 40+ flavors and fresh fruit for toppings. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday. (My Ballard)

Cause

The United Way of King County announced that its Summer Food Invasion program, which provides free meals to anyone under the age of 18, is back. Kids can pick up meals from Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, August 25 at any one of 62 locations across the city. No ID or application is required.

Health

The City of Bellevue released its 2023 Water Quality report, which shows generally low levels of potentially dangerous chemical compounds like arsenic and barium. The report also provides a list of FAQs that talk about when to get your water tested and what to do if your water looks weird.

Traffic

The Seattle Department of Transportation started moving forward on a project that may create the city’s first protected intersection at Thomas Street and Dexter Avenue N. Protected intersections separate bikers and pedestrians from cars with corner islands and are widely recognized for general safety improvements. (The Urbanist)

Stat

A new poll created by the Seattle Times and Suffolk University found that ~33% of Seattleites are seriously considering moving out of the city. Among those who have cardboard boxes on the brain said that public safety and rising housing costs were the primary reasons. (Seattle Times)

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Wellness

Hear this: The world’s first hearing aids featuring dual processing — and backed by cutting-edge German technology — were just unveiled by Hear.com. Transform your hearing with a 45-day, no-risk trial and join the 385,000+ customers hearing with double the power and double the clarity.*

Correction

We got our golf acronyms mixed up yesterday. The name of the tournament Bellevue phenom Angela Zhang is competing in is the US Women’s Open Championship run by the USGA, not the LPGA. It’s still a prestigious pro tourney and an amazing accomplishment.

Outdoors

🛥 No need to look so stern

Where to rent boats and kayaks in Seattle

All we’re saying is that boat days are really good for your mental health — especially when paired with one of the Electric Boat Company’s charcuterie boards. | Photo by @maria.treen

If you found yourself feeling a little jealous of all the people floating and partying on Lake Union during the Seafair Summer Fourth fireworks this week, here’s where you can rent a boat of your own.

The Center for Wooden Boats | Looking to harness the power of the wind? This South Lake Union educational center has a selection of rentable sailboats, rowboats, and canoes waiting for you — and lessons, too.

Hot Tub Boats | Okay, this isn’t probably what you want on really hot days. Bookmark this for later in the year or cooler summer days when the sun is still out, but you might need a sweater.

The Electric Boat Company | Feeling fancy, eh? These Lake Union luxury boats can be paired with charcuterie board + beverage add-ons.

Woodmark Waterfront Adventures | Bring your friends and rent out motorboats, jet skis, kayaks, or paddleboards for some summer fun on Lake Washington.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

Thanks to everyone who wished my dad a happy birthday this week. It certainly helped make his day. And also, a shout out to my Aunt Kathy who also wrote in to send her celebratory wishes to her little brother. You all are the best.

Drink-Up Month
What I’m drinking now: Seattle Cider Co’s Basil Mint cider

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