LESCHI
Summer brings Leschi's residents outdoors to enjoy the shores of Lake Washington and the many beautiful parks. Here are a few of the events designed for family fun.
The Music Back to Jackson Street group has planned five events at Flo Ware Park, at 28th Avenue South and South Jackson Street, featuring local musicians. The next event is July 25 and will showcase women musicians. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m., with activities for kids, including face painting and free-throw basketball contests.
July 18 is the date for the annual Leschi rummage sale, which benefits Leschi Elementary School's music program and Washington Middle School's environmental program. Held at the Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Ave. S., the sale will feature clothing from the Diva Connection, the senior center's thrift shop, as well as books, plants, household goods, clothing and baby gear.
The sale starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. It's worth coming just for the view of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier from the senior center's perch on the hill.
Mark your calendar for Aug. 15, the day Leschi celebrates the 100th birthday of Leschi Park, the second oldest park in Seattle. The city purchased Leschi Park in 1909 from the railway company that operated the old cable car that terminated at the Leschi Ferry dock.
We will step back in time to 1909 with band music from the era, a vintage-clothing show (including that glamorous swimwear from 1909), antique cars and a brief history lesson from Madrona historian Junius Rochester. Free dragon-boat rides will be available throughout the day, and a history tent will display old photos of 1909 Leschi.
The first event starts at 11 a.m. when Arthur Lee Jacobson leads a tree walk through the park, pointing out the many specimen trees. This walk is limited to the first 50 people who sign up; call (206) 726-0923 to add your name to the list. We are urging folks to take the No. 27 bus as parking is difficult along the lake even on gray, wintry days.
- Diane Snell
MADISON PARK
The Madison Park Community Council is starting to take donations for the 43rd Avenue street-end project, which would extend the beach/park area by closing the street end, removing the concrete roadway and planting trees.
The project, which would cost an estimated $1 million, needs $12,000 to $15,000 for a landscape architect. The Love Our Lake Access (LOLA) committee is in the process of writing a Neighborhood Matching Fund grant to help pay for the landscape architect. To donate money or volunteer time, call council president Ken Myrabo, at 322-8501.
The council also has asked the Madison Park Business Association for monetary help in buying more crosswalk flags, which have been disappearing. The Business Association has agreed to use its proceeds from shirt sales to buy a year's worth of flags, which cost $350 (plus tax) per box of 100. Graffiti around the neighborhood has been promptly removed, including the tags on the bathhouse and restrooms, according to Myrabo: "We're doing a pretty good job of keeping up with the problem - if we know about them."
The Business Association is preparing for its Madison Park Days event on July 9 through 11. The sidewalk sale will take place all three days, while the annual children's parade will take place at noon on July 11.
The group also plans to add three more bike racks and to request that no concessions are granted in the future for Madison Beach as it competes with local eateries for business.[[In-content Ad]]
