Join the Friends of Jackson Park Trail (FOJPT), Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Office of Arts & Culture for the unveiling of the newly installed artwork and celebration for the recently completed Jackson Park Golf Course Perimeter Trail on Saturday, September 28from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The celebration takes place at the south entry to the trail at 1000 N.E.135th St.
“FOJPT is pleased and proud to announce the completion of the Jackson Park Golf Course Perimeter Trail,” said Emily Jewel, FOJPT member. “It is the culmination of years of hard work by neighborhood volunteers and Seattle Parks. The trail provides a myriad of benefits including the largest open green space in North Seattle and a sculpture “Bounty” created by artist Celeste Cooning that represents the flora and fauna of the area.”
This Saturday, friends, family, and neighbors will have the opportunity to experience the completed trail, see the new art installation and meet the artist. At the celebration enjoy refreshments, learn more about the trail and local environment, and enjoy a walk with a local naturalist and bird expert.
The trail follows the perimeter of the Jackson Park Golf Course, providing a route through wooded areas and along or above streets, and views into the green space at the center. Parts of the trail have special fencing to protect trail users from stray golf balls. A portion of the trail crosses Thornton Creek and abuts the Licorice Fern Natural Area, which is gradually being restored to native vegetation. The trail is 2.25 miles long and is already popular with walkers, runners, and neighbors looking for greater enjoyment of the golf course.
The trail is the result of sustained community advocacy; FOJPT applied for and was awarded a $15,000 Small and Simple Matching Fund from the Department of Neighborhoods in 2009 and worked with landscape architects Larson Casteel to develop a concept plan. The trail was adopted as part of the 2009 Golf Master Plan, which uses bond funds to improve Parks existing golf facilities. Parks worked with golf operations and community members to design a trail primarily on Parks property. Construction started late 2012 and was completed February 2013.
FOJPT and Seattle Parks Volunteer Program are working to increase the volunteers for the trail and create a sustainable volunteer presence. Please contact Junior Kitiona, Junior.Kitiona@seattle.gov, Volunteer Programs Coordinator if you wish to volunteer.
For more information about the trail or the work being done at Jackson Park Golf Course please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/jackson_park/golf.htm
