To: Sally Bagshaw, Chair of Parks and Neighborhoods Committee

From: Christopher Williams, Acting Superintendent

Re: Funding Options for Arts-related Programs at Seattle Parks and Recreation

Response to SLI 81-1-A-1-149

Summary

The 2012 Adopted Budget included a Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) asking Seattle Parks and Recreation (Parks) to submit a plan that details future funding options for its three arts-related programs: Downtown Arts in Parks, Outdoor Neighborhood Parks, and Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC). The funding plan is to address Ordinance 123460 which authorized transfer of 25% of Admission Tax revenue from the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs to Parks in 2011 and 2012 (approximately $1 million per year). A list of the programs provided in 2011 by Parks three arts programs is provided in Appendix A.

Specifically, the SLI directed Parks to include in the funding plan:

* Expected General Fund support needed for the three programs in the 2013-2014 budget;

* The extent of any required program or staffing reductions to support the three programs beginning in January 2013; and

* Options that provide long-term financial support to maintain and operate LHPAC.

Background

Downtown Arts in Parks (Center City Parks)

The Center City Parks program works to make downtown parks the lively, welcoming community-building attractions they should be to promote the social and economic health of the urban core. The effort was launched in 2006 after the Downtown Parks and Public Spaces Task Force called for action to address the fact that certain activities in downtown parks were detracting from the urban experience. This is how the Task Force described downtown parks at the time:

While some parks are gathering places for transients, predominantly men, others sit vacant on both weekdays and weekends... There is little public art and engaging amenities... The parks don't feel safe or welcoming and there are few reasons for people to visit them.

The Downtown Arts program focuses primarily on five parks: Westlake, Victor Steinbrueck, Occidental, Freeway, and Hing Hay, and includes others as the opportunity arises. Parks has learned that successful transformation of problematic Center City parks requires almost daily activity, for as soon as the efforts let up less than positive activities come back to the park. Activation occurs through:

* Park concierges who put out moveable furniture and oversize chess sets (hugely popular), support the lunchtime busker program and other events, and provide information and guidance to 10,000+ visitors every year.

* Events totaling more than 160 in 2011, and ranging from the larger ones such as Dancing til Dusk, First Thursdays Art in the Park, and the Salmon Bakes at Victor Steinbrueck, that bring 500-800+ participants each, to small events like the Dickens Christmas Carolers, attracting 50-75 people each. Staff estimate an average of 200 people per event, or a total of 32,000 people attending events in 2011.

* Community-based activities and events such as lunchtime buskers, chess tournaments, bocce, selling used books to benefit the Seattle Public Library, and street art by skilled chalk artists.

* Temporary art installations, through the ARTSparks program, in partnership with 4Culture's Site-Specific Arts, brings several months of evocative and whimsical, temporary art installations to parks.

Overall, the impact of the Center City Parks programs are improved general ambience of downtown parks, adding to the appeal of downtown for those attending an event or simply passing by on their way to work, shop or eat downtown.

Outdoor Neighborhood Parks

The Outdoor Neighborhood Parks Program, also called Parks Commons Programs, began with park neighbors wanting help replacing negative park activities with vibrant community activation. Commons programs have helped transform and engage neighbors at Othello Park, Genesee Playground, Cal Anderson Park and Little Brook Park. Programs include community gatherings, storytelling, movies and festivals. Appendix E provides a sampling of stories evoking the impact the Parks Commons Program has had on park neighbors.

The Parks Commons Program is assigned to parks that have experienced long-term public safety issues and where those issues would be improved by increased community use of the parks. The program is typically assigned to six or eight parks at a time, with each park generally receiving the program's services for two years (or two summer seasons). In the first year the coordinator meets with the community and assists to launch whatever events or activities the community decides will enrich their neighborhood. During the second year the coordinator assists the community to stabilize these events and activities to become annually sustainable recurring events.

In addition, the Parks Commons Program staff has taken the leadership in creating and cultivating the LGBTQ youth community, creating new cultural programming for LGBTQ youth such as C.O.D -Creating Our Diversity and the Born This Way Kafe. Environments like the Born This Way Kafe are essential in nurturing healthy LGBTQ youth and paving the way for civic engagement with the greater community.

As a result of this work in the field of cultural programming for the LGBTQ community, the program won the 2012 Spotlight Award for Program Excellence for Cultural Competency from the Washington Recreation and Park Association. Also, Parks Commons staff work on arts and cultural programs with Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center staff. Programs marked with an asterisk on Appendix A are those jointly produced by Commons and LHPAC staff.

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center was originally established in 1971 as the Yesler Neighborhood Center, a creative cultural arts center under the federally sponsored Model Cities, Urban Renewal program. Seattle's Model Cities Program bought the building, the former Chevra Bikur Cholim Synagogue, for $300,000 and spent an additional $360,000 refurbishing it. Through an agreement with Model Cities, the building was turned over to Parks to operate, and the facility opened in 1971 as the Yelser Neighborhood Center, soon to be renamed the Langston Hughes Cultural Center in honor of the African American writer. In 1982, the building was declared a landmark by the City's Landmark Preservation Board (Ord. 110354).

Initial programming was directed primarily at children, with the goal of introducing arts to children in the inner-city neighborhood and included arts, crafts and dance lessons, as well as multi-cultural programming such as a 1974 Japanese folklore class. A City-supported childcare facility was added, and through federal programs, free meals were served. Model Cities provided programmatic funding through 1974, when Parks took over. The heart of Langston Hughes is the 285-seat theater. During the 1980's the Black Arts West and Paul Robeson Theater companies produced plays at Langston Hughes.

The 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy provided $2.5 million for seismic and structural upgrades at LHPAC. The facility closed in 2010 for this redevelopment, with many of the Center's programs produced off-site. After a two-year redevelopment period, the newly refurbished Center formally opened in May 2012.

Budget

Parks art budget supported by the Admissions Tax in 2012 is $1,144,294, divided between the three programs as shown in Table 1. The Admissions Tax covers approximately 90% of the total budget for all three programs.

As requested in the SLI, information for each of the three programs regarding 1) financial support, 2) program or staff reductions in 2013, and 3) public/private partnerships is provided below.

Downtown Arts in Parks :

1. Financial support

The 2013 budget for the Downtown Arts in Parks program is $382,301. For 2011 and 2012 all of the funding for the program has come from Admission Tax revenue. The program is staffed by one full time Strategic Advisor and one full time Recreation Program Coordinator. The budget is about evenly split between personnel costs and non-personnel costs which provide program support such as paying buskers and park concierges, event equipment and marketing. The 2013-2014 budget, to support the current staff and program, is expected to increase above the 2012 amount by approximately two percent for inflation.

2. Program or staff reductions in 2013

The source of the funds for the 2013 Downtown Art in Parks budget is being developed for inclusion in the Mayor's proposed budget. Funding will be either from the General Fund, continuation of Admissions Tax funding, contributions from nonCity partners, or a combination of these sources. Reductions in the program will be weighed against other department program priorities during final budget preparation.

3. Public/private partnerships

Center City staff work with a broad array of partners to generate events and programs in downtown parks in two ways. First, Center City staff provide support as a partner through staffing, equipment, funding, promotion and/or fee waivers to community organizations or individuals wanting to produce cultural or arts events, such as Lunar New Year or First Thursday Art in the Park. The community investment that results from these efforts is sizeable. The second way staff work with partners is in developing and implementing Parks programs, such as ARTSparks, Center City Cinema and Dancing til Dusk, often with some financial support from community partners. For example, in 2011 4Culture's Site Specific program provided $14,000 to support ARTSparks, and the Freeway Park Neighborhood Association held five Dancing til Dusk events at a cost of approximately $7,000. A list of 2011 partners is shown on Appendix B. In 2011, these two approaches together resulted in a significant investment from the community for programs and activities in downtown parks with the bulk of the funds spent directly by the community on artists, services and outreach.

A key partner in creating and promoting events in downtown parks is the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) which produces its signature programs, the summer Out to Lunch concert series and the Holiday Carousel. DSA and the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) funds these programs at a direct cost of $605,577 and a total cost of $1,028,276 when volunteer and in-kind contributions are added.

Center City art programs differ from events produced by DSA and most other downtown community organizations in one key element: as noted, Parks has learned that successful transformation of problem parks requires almost daily activity. Center City programs therefore focus on relatively small-scale activities to enliven multiple downtown parks on a regular, ongoing basis. DSA on the other hand generally focuses on large-scale, destination events. The recent hopeful sign that the retail sector may be strengthening, with the 2011 retail holiday season outperforming projections, may mean more support from DSA and its member businesses to sponsor Center City programs in future years.

Outdoor Neighborhood Parks :

1. Financial Support

One Recreation Program Coordinator manages the Outdoor Neighborhood Parks program with a total 2013 budget of $138,639; personnel costs account for the majority of the funding, with some funds going for event support. For 2011 and 2012 all of the funding for the program budget has come from the City's Admission Tax revenue. The 2013-2014 budget, to support the current staff and program, is expected to increase over the 2012 amount by approximately two percent for inflation.

2. Program or staff reductions for 2013

The source of the funds for the 2013 Outdoor Neighborhood Parks budget is being developed for inclusion in the Mayor's proposed budget. Funding will be either from the General Fund, continuation of Admissions Tax funding, contributions from nonCity partners, or a combination of these sources. Reductions in the program will be weighed against other department program priorities during final budget preparation.

3. Public/private partnerships

4. Partnerships have been a supporting element for the Outdoor Neighborhood Parks program. In 2011 the community contributed $31,800 in cash to support these programs plus $25,370 in inkind donations, for a total of $57,170.

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center :

1. Financial Support

The amount of 2012 Admissions Tax support for Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center is $645,907. The estimated amount of support needed in 2013 is $620,000. The 2013 estimated budget is $719,683, slightly higher than 2012 due to projected inflation. While the facility has been closed for redevelopment, LHPAC programs have been produced off-site by four staff; an additional four positions were held vacant during the closure. The current staffing model is shown in Table 2. The facility is estimated to generate approximately $100,000 in revenues for 2013. The two funding sources include program fees and rentals.

2. Program or staff reductions for 2013

The source of the funds for the 2013 Langston Hughes budget is being developed for inclusion in the Mayor's proposed budget. Funding will be either from the General Fund, Admissions Tax funding, contributions from non-City partners, or a combination of these sources. More information on options for 2013 is provided in the discussion of the options for LHPAC long-term financial support.

3. Public/private partnerships

During the two-year closure of Langston Hughes, staff were active seeking grants to increase the construction budget. Appendix D shows grants received for Langston Hughes renovation.

Options for Long-term Financial Support for Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

The State of Theater in Seattle

In order to best evaluate the feasibility of the options for Langston Hughes included in the SLI, Parks staff researched the state of Seattle's theater industry. The recent demise of the Intiman Theater (a 2006 Tony award winner for regional theater excellence and not that long ago fully subscribed) speaks to the difficulty of sustaining a theater during difficult economic times. In fact, the Intiman operated with a business model similar to that of Langston Hughes: it produced its own plays and rented the facility as much as possible for weddings, lectures and non-Intiman plays during times it was not needed for its own productions. Unlike Langston Hughes, Intiman had a Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds.

Fundraising plays a tremendous role in theater financing. A successful company generally must rely on raising 35-50% of its annual budget from fundraising, leading companies to create fundraising-focused boards. An example is Seattle Repertory Theater which has a 54-person Board of Directors, 15 Trustees Emeriti and 18 Advisory Council members, constituting an 87-person fundraising arm.

Langston Hughes will be forming a Friends of LHPAC group after the redeveloped facility opens, with fundraising part of the group's mission. The question that can't be answered at this point is how much of the LHPAC budget can be offset with fundraising. Based on staff interviews and discussions with people involved in the arts community, there is a concern that the arts community would not be able to support through contributions a new entity to take over the Playhouse Theater, Intiman's home. A collaboration that included a strong anchor tenant with other viable companies is considered economically sound because each entity would bring to the partnership its ongoing private support. Langston Hughes, with its African American focus may draw on a different fundraising base within the community, but would still be seeking money from the major artfunding foundations.

SLI Options

The SLI directed Parks to explore options that provide long-term financial support to maintain and operate Langston Hughes, including:

A. Whether expanding the use of the facility to additional arts or cultural organizations would result in greater financial stability for the facility;

B. Whether the City should contract with a non-city organization to operate the facility;

C. Whether the facility should be sold, leased or transferred to a group or organization to benefit arts or cultural organizations; or

D. Other options that provide long-term financial stability to continue operation of the facility.

Table 5 shows estimated potential changes in the financial picture for Langston Hughes with the four options; a narrative describing the options follows.

Option A: Expanding use to additional arts or cultural organizations

1: Expanding use within current funding model

The effort to expand use at Langston Hughes to additional arts and cultural organizations is ongoing. While the mission statement for the facility is focused on African American performing arts and culture, recent programs have showcased an ethnic and cultural mix. Appendix A shows the diversity of programming and users of the offsite Langston Hughes programs in 2011 while the facility was closed for redevelopment. Classes ranged from salsa to hip-hop to beginning violin. After re-opening in spring of 2012, the diversity of use by a range of cultural organizations continues, as is shown on Appendix C.

The operating model with Option A retains City management which includes staff-produced performances as well as an aggressive marketing /rental campaign to bring in additional arts and culture organizations. Expanding rentals could provide more financial support for Langston Hughes as the facility stays in City management, with rental income coming back to the City. Rental space includes the now state-of-theart 285-seat theater, classrooms, and a multipurpose room with a commercial kitchen that can host weddings and other functions, as well as provide rehearsal space with a specially built sprung floor suitable for dance. Parks staff have been aggressively marketing these venues; however, the uncertainty of the actual 2012 opening date, unknown until February due to construction delays, limited 2012 bookings. Marketing for 2013 is underway and will be the first test for the extent to which expanding use to additional arts or cultural organizations can improve Langston Hughes bottom line.

The fate of the Intiman Theater and the general difficulty in financially sustaining arts organizations lends a cautionary note to the premise that Option A, expanding use to additional arts and cultural organizations, will provide long-term financial support that would significantly reduce the current level of City support. ACT Theater more successfully operates with the model of producing its own plays and renting space to other organizations. Perhaps a key to ACTs relative success is the fact that in 2010 ACT covered 59% of its operating budget with fundraising income. In spite of this support, ACT lost money in 2010, raising "substantial doubt about the theater's ability to continue as a going concern." (Audit of A Contemporary Theater, Inc. and Affiliates by Moss Adams) It should be noted that self-produced plays are a significantly bigger piece of the Intiman and ACT business model than has been the focus at Langston Hughes with both non-City theaters employing many more staff than LHPAC.

2. Expanding use with reduced reliance on the City Funding

Expanding use and fundraising could increase revenue such that reliance on City funding can be initially reduced and perhaps ultimately eliminated. A five year plan could be developed to maximize use of the theater and expand fundraising with a dedicated board. The first step in the move to eliminate General Fund support will take place in 2012 with the establishment of a board/friends of group with a focus on fundraising, and with the goal of ultimately raising 35% of the theater budget in five years.

The state-of-the-art new facility supports the premise of option A 2 that rental revenue will increase; the new commercial kitchen supporting the multi-purpose room, sprung floor for dance and stateof-the-art theater should lead to more use and more revenue. However, the difficult situation for theater in Seattle, as noted previously, cautions against assuming successful weaning from the General Fund in five years.

Option B: Whether the City should contract with a non-city organization to operate the facility

Contracting with a non-city organization to operate Langston Hughes could be in the form of a contract with an operating agency to fill the space. While Parks has not explored this option with any specific organizations, it has been suggested that an organization such as One Reel, which produces Bumbershoot, or Seattle Theater Group, which manages the Moore, Paramount, and Neptune Theaters, or an entrepreneurial enterprise such as manages the Broadway Performance Hall, might be the type of organization interested in contracting to run the facility. An advantage of contracting operations to an outside organization is that it would provide financial certainty to the City with payment to the operating agency established for the life on the contract. A disadvantage would be the loss of control over programming.

There are many ways to structure a contracting agreement: there could be a requirement to focus rentals on the Langston Hughes mission; there could be requirements for public benefits, such as free or low cost use by neighborhood organizations; and there are various ways to handle rental revenue, from all of it returning to the City, requiring more upfront payment to the operating agency, to some form of split that would require less up-front payment. Assuming that an operating agency would, at a minimum, need to cover their expenses, the City obligation could be in the range of $250,000 to $450,000, assuming no rental income goes back to the operating agency.

In interviews and discussions staff has had with representatives of the arts community, concerns have been expressed that a theater without an anchor tenant loses its soul; and perhaps more on the practical side, people have noted that rental-only facilities are not maintained as well as facilities with an anchor tenant.

A policy issue to address regarding contracting with a non-city organization to operate Langston Hughes is the loss to the community of an African American focused theater. Since its inception in the early 1970's Langston Hughes has served as a focal point for its Central Area neighborhood and for Seattle's African American community.

Option C: Whether the facility should be sold, leased or transferred to a group or organization to benefit arts or cultural organizations

1. Selling Langston Hughes to a group or organization to benefit arts or cultural organizations

The applicability of Initiative 42, adopted by Ordinance 118477 in 1997, is one issue to address regarding the possibility of selling Langston Hughes. The ordinance requires the City with any sale of park land or facility to "receive in exchange land or a facility of equivalent or better size, value, location and usefulness in the vicinity, serving the same community and the same park purposes." In addition to the applicability of Initiative 42, selling Langston Hughes would raise considerable concerns in the City's African American community, unless perhaps the sale was to an organization with the same mission.

2. Leasing or transferring Langston Hughes to a group or organization to benefit arts or cultural organizations

In contrast to Option B where a leasing agency takes over management of Langston Hughes, Option C 2 assumes a long-term lease to an arts organization or a collective of several arts organizations. In assessing the possibility of leasing or transferring Langston Hughes, comparisons with the operation of other Parks arts facilities is germane. Parks-owned cultural facilities that are leased to non-City organizations to operate include Pratt Fine Arts Center, Seward Park Clay Studio, Madrona Dance Studio and the Bathhouse Theater. Parks long-term policy has been to maintain public access to these arts facilities, ensure affordable programs and keep the buildings open. Therefore, the leases allow rental offsets in exchange for public benefits. A market rate rental price is established through the evaluation of comparable facilities; from the market rate, lessees are able to deduct rent in exchange for meeting Parks specified public benefit offsets. For each of the facilities, Pratt, Seward Park Clay, Madrona Dance and the Bathhouse, the operator provides scholarships, free or reduced priced performances or classes, or public use of the facility to reduce annual rent payments to near nothing. Parks retains responsibility for major maintenance, with the lessees responsible for routine operations and maintenance costs.

Parks model is slightly different from the Seattle Center's leases for its theaters: the Center significantly discounts rents below market rate, but rents cannot be fully offset by providing public benefits. The inability of the Intiman Theater to pay its rent to the Center is a key factor in the Center's decision to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) this spring to find a new tenant for the Playhouse Theater.

The benefit to the City from a long-term lease is the elimination of the annual City support, a savings of $645,907. Depending on how the lease is structured, there may be some opportunity for the City to earn rental revenue. The responses to the Playhouse RFP will provide timely insight into the strength of Seattle's theater community and the feasibility of finding an organization, or perhaps a consortium of organizations, to lease Langston Hughes and the possibility of the City earning rental revenue with this model.

The policy issue raised in the discussion of Option B, the loss to the community of an African American focused theater, applies with this option as well.

Option D: Other options that provide long-term financial stability to continue operation of the facility

Discontinue City staff-produced programming/Operate as a rental-only facility

Current Langston Hughes staff includes two Public/Cultural Program Specialist positions whose primary job has been to produce plays and other arts programs at Langston Hughes and sometimes at other facilities. One example of the work of these staff is the annual summer musical which has provided theater experience for at-risk youth while creating vibrant cultural performances.

Taking Parks out of the business of producing programs at Langston Hughes and relying on non-City arts organizations to bring their work to the facility is one avenue to reduce City support. Eliminating the two production-related positions would cut the Langston Hughes 2013 budget by $178,773. Also related to in-house productions is the Stage Technician position. In order to ensure safe use of the theater's backstage components, City-trained stage technician services would be required in a rental only facility; however, this position could be filled on an as-needed, temporary basis, supported by rental revenue. In this scenario, a pool of trained, prequalified technicians would be on call to support rental productions. With the Manger 2 position serving solely as a rental agent, the Administrative Staff Assistant position is eliminated, and the Maintenance Laborer position is reduced to half time. Together, eliminating Parks produced programs results in a savings of $378,778, as shown in Table 6.

Policy questions to consider regarding possible elimination of Parks productions are:

* Is producing ongoing 'commercial grade' performing arts a core business of Parks?

* What is lost to the community by eliminating Parksproduced programs and what are the trade-offs with other parks and recreation programs?

* Do or can outside organizations replicate the benefits of Parks-produced programs?

Appendices

Appendix A -2011 Arts Programs, Classes and Events funded by Admissions Tax

Appendix B -Center City Parks 2011 Partners

Appendix C -2012 Draft Langston Hughes Schedule

Appendix D -2010-2011 Langston Hughes Grants Received

Appendix E -Stories

CC: Beth Goldberg, City Budget Office

Ethan Raup, Mayor's Office

Jaline Quinto, Mayor's Office

Kathy Nyland, Legislative Aide

Catherine Cornwall, City Budget Office

Amy Williams, City Budget Office

Kevin Stoops, Department of Parks and Recreation

Sue Goodwin, Department of Parks and Recreation

Vincent Kitch, Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs

*********************************************************

Appendix A 2011 Arts Programs, Classes and Events funded by Admissions Tax

Department of Parks and Recreation

2011 Arts Programs, Classes and Events funded by Admissions Tax --

Year-End Update

2011 Center City Programs and Activities

* ARTSPARKS Transforming Occidental Square into an outdoor art space from. Installations and performance works of many varieties will go on all summer June through September

* Buskers Street performers of all kinds, weekday lunchtimes and early evenings (and some weekends) in selected parks.

* Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival Simulcast from Benaroya Hall on 98.1 Classical KING FM Westlake Park Friday, 8 p.m., July 8, 15 & 22nd

* Seattle SeaChordsmen Barbershop Chorus & Quartets Westlake Park

o Seattle SeaChordsmen Chorus Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m, July 14

o What's Cookin' VLQ Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., July 21

o What's Cookin' VLQ Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., July 28

o Raining Sounds Quartet Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., August 4

o Seattle SeaChordsmen Chorus Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., August 11

o Raining Sounds Quartet Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., August 18

o SeaSharps Quartet Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., August 25

o Raining Sounds Quartet Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., September 1

o SeaSharps Quartet Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., September 8

o Seattle SeaChordsmen Chorus Thursday, 6 6:30 p.m., September 15

o What's Cookin' VLQ Thursday, 6 -6:30 p.m., September 22

* Dancing 'Til Dusk -live music and social dancing

o Kevin Buster 's Lunch Money Blues/Swing Westlake Park Tuesday, 6-9:30 p.m., July 19

o Ambiance Golden Era Swing Westlake Park Tuesday, 6-9:30 p.m., July 26

o Glenn Crytzer and his Syncopaters -Swing Westlake Park Tuesdays, 6-9:30 p.m.,August 2

o DJ Sean Donovan Zydeco Westlake Park Tuesday, 6-9:30 p.m., August 9

o Solomon Douglas Swingtet Swing/Blues Tuesday, Westlake Park 6-9:30 p.m., August 16

o DJ Robb Bryan West Coast/East Coast Swing Tuesday, Westlake Park 6-9:30 p.m., August 23

o Swingin' In the Rain Vintage Swing with Dina Blade Freeway Park Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m., July 21

o Tangabrazio Tango Freeway Park Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m., July 28

o Portage Bay Big Band Big Band Swing Freeway Park Thursday,6-9:30 p.m., August 4

o Diane Kirkwood and Silver Lining Swing/Blues Freeway Park Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m., August 1

o Rouge Waltz and more (It's a Bal Rouge, wear red!) Freeway Park Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m., August 18

o Solomon Douglas Swingtet Swing/Blues SAM/Olympic Sculpture Park Thursday, 6-9 p.m., August 25

o Tumbao Salsa and Latin SAM-Olympic Sculpture Park Thursday, 6-9 p.m., September 8

o KGB Waltz, Swing, Foxtrot, Polka SAM-Olympic Sculpture Park Thursday, 6-9 p.m., September 15

o DJ Vassili Salsa Saturdays Occidental Square Saturday, 47:30 p.m., July 30

o DJ Nick Salsa Saturdays Occidental Square Saturday, 4-7:30, August 6

o Christian Pepin Y Su Conjunto Swing Salsa Saturdays Occidental Square Saturday,

4-7:30, August 13

o Tumbao Salsa Saturdays Occidental Square Saturday, 4-7:30, August 20

* Inside Out Dance Company performing ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and modern dances Westlake Park Tuesdays, 12:30 1:30 p.m., July 26, August 2, August 9

* Noon Tunes Concerts for Kids Squirrel Butter and Caspar Babypants Freeway Park Sunday, July 24 Noon Tunes Concerts for Kids Brian Vogan & Recess Monkeys Freeway Park Sunday, August 14

* Noon Tunes Concerts for Kids Doctor Noize & Naomi's Musical Dreamland Waterfront Park Sunday, August 28

* First Thursdays Art in the Park Occidental Square Thursdays, Noon 9 p.m., June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1

* JamFest neighborhood summer music festival live music performances at four venues -Hing Hay Park Saturdays, June 18, July 16, and August 20

* Center City Cinema -Outdoor movies in Hing Hay Park, Kobe Terrace Park and Little Saigon Community -July 9,, Aug 13, 20, & 27, Sept 10 & 17

* Dickens Carolers -Victor Steinbrueck Westlake and Occidental Square Parks 23 performances on various dates throughout December

* Suzanne Tidwell -Reinstallation of "Artificial Light" Yarn Bomb/Tree Socks City Hall ParkOctober 2011 through February 2012

Support Staff---temporary/intermittent: (Partial funding from Admission Tax) Park Concierges in Occidental Square, Westlake, Victor Steinbrueck, and Freeway Parks support Center City events, distribute the Public Art Map, Summer in the City brochures, and other materials, give general guidance regarding tourist and cultural attractions around the city, and provide a friendly and helpful official presence to help make our downtown parks welcoming and safe places.

2011 Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC) Classes

** = Programs/classes worked on jointly by Langston Hughes & Parks Commons staff

* Contemporary Dance beginning/Intermediate at Garfield CC Mondays, January March and September December

* Hip Hop and Freestyle Jefferson CC, Southwest CC, South Park CC days vary, January December

* Youth String Ensemble -Southwest teen Life Center -preliminary Outreach and Introduction September December

* See, hear and play Cal Anderson Shelter House Mondays, January December

* Family Theater Games and Jump Time Stories, Create Cal Anderson Shelterhouse Mondays, January December

* Theater Fun/Theater Games teaches parents how to tell interactive stories Yesler CC Saturdays, January March

* Evolutionary Words teaches spoken word, poetry, life scripts Jefferson CC -Rainer CC Saturdays, January December

* Mock Trial Legal Theater Competition Jefferson CC and King County Superior Courthouse Judge Yu ChambersMarch April

* Annual Summer Youth Performing Arts Academy -Garfield Teen Life Center Monday Thursday, July August

* Art in the Park music, dance, visual and performing arts classes Little Brook Park & Pratt Park Monday -Fridays, June August

* Immigrant and Emigre Youth World Lyrics-Informal Youth lead Teen Life Centers & Late Night locations June October

* Teen Music Studios -Voice and Instrumental -Garfield Teen Life Center; Rainier Late Night Program Fridays and Saturdays, January December

* Teen Life Center Music Studios -Voice and Instrumental Garfield Teen Life Center; SW Teen Life CenterWeekly, Monday -Friday

* The Dance of Salsa intergenerational classes Meadowbrook Teen Life Center February -May -two times per week

* ** OutSpoken Youth Speaker Panel training (COD program with NW Network) Miller Community CenterThursday, April 21 3:30 6 p.m. & May 28 -11:30 a.m. -3:30pm; Cal Anderson Shelterhouse -Saturday, June 4, noon -4p.m.

* Preliminary Linge Singe Traditional Drum Line Class Previews Outreach July -August

* Story of Operation Moses -Immersion into Ethiopian New YearLHPAC theater games-Ethiopian Community Center intergenerational Dance Ethiopian Community Center -January 8

* Tuning In and Voicing Out new voices, spoken word, film Garfield, Southwest and Meadowbrook Teen Life Centers weekly, August December

Sixteen series of classes/four one-time events above

2011 Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center Public Events -On tour while LHPAC is closed for renovations

* ** PEOPLE in PARKS youth presenters and actors bringing parks named for people of Color, LBGTQ and Women alive with actors portraying the named person Lavizzo, Pratt, Powell Barnett, Flow Ware, Cal Anderson, and others 4 performances each day, February 26 & 27, 1 -4 p.m.

* ** LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Creative Performances Celebrating Our Diversity Garfield Teen Life Center January 29, 1 -4 p.m.; Yesler CC Dec 11, 8 -11 p.m.

* Underground Railroad 'The Continuing Story' public talks specific films and locations Park Me Broni Ba @ Cal Anderson October 27th; Kinyarwanda @ Cortona Cafe November 29th (additional performances every 3rd Thursday, February December at various locations)

* Puppets in the Park celebrates diverse cultural traditions with puppets Cal Anderson Park Mondays, January December

* UW and LHPAC Asthma Photo Journal and Presentation (making a medical condition real through art) spoken presentations and photography that resulted from teen focus groups held at the Garfield Teen Life Center and Garfield CC in September 2010. Final photo-showing event (presentation) was held at Treehouse Friday, March 25, 2011

* UW World Series Harlem String Quartet youth event at University Meany Hall -April 6

* AAFIRM -African American Film Festival Releasing Movement "I WILL FOLLOW" -AMC Theater -70 theater screenings -March11 March 25

* African American Film Festival 8th Annual -33 films -18 theater screenings April 30 May 8

* The Dance of Salsa performance (Cinco de Mayo) Meadowbrook Teen Life Center Thursday, May 5

* ** Flo Ware Celebration, annual celebration of community leader Florinda Ware -Leschi Community Council partnership with LHPAC -May 14, 1 -4 p.m.

* LHPAC Summer at Lavizzo Park Music and Performance Series

o Jackson Street Music Project kick-off Celebration recognizing and educating about the popular musical legacies within the f the Central District June 25

o ** 5th Annual Good Vibe Concert Artist-led event which promotes unity and community especially highlights the talents of youth and local performers July 16

o Oaxaqueno Guelaguetza -An annual, free, daylong festival of the music, dance, costumes and food of Oaxaca, Mexico -July 18

o ** HELLO EARTH Star Trek Theater Hello Earth is a grass roots community enterprise formed with the intention of presenting free entertainment in outdoor spaces, and this year's performance is based on the episode "This Side of Paradise" from Star Trek (the original series) Saturdays, July 23, 30, August 6; Sundays, July 24, 31, and August 7

* ** Youth Pride Dance with GLSEN WA (COD Program provided technical assistance only) June 24, 7 p.m. midnight

* ** Born This Way Kafe(tm) A welcoming place where GLBTQ youth + Friends + Allies can gather, be themselves, engage in spoken word, poetry, performance and film at Cal Anderson Shelterhouse Weekly event Fridays, July 15 -, Nov 5 9 p.m.

* Summer Performing Art in Pratt Park Spoken Word, poetry, dance, song, RAP, HIP HOP -June -August 19, 11:30 4pm

* Lavizzo Park -LHPAC Summer Performance Series -Youth Breakout August 19

* Annual Youth Performing Arts Academy String Instruments, Drums, Dance, Theater culminating performance -Paul Robeson Performing Arts Theatre August 20

* Drop In -Hop Scotch and Hip Hop LHPAC North Parking Lot August 20

* 2nd LINE JAZZSEATTLE(tm) Historical Central District Parade via Historical Central District Trail Jazz and Song Lavizzo Park and East /West Promenades August 27, 11 a.m. 8 p.m.

* ARTS CRUSH DANCIN' TIL DUSK Garfield Community Center October 29

* Story of Ethiopian Jews -Video Showings of Performance Highlights of the Return A continuation of the successful Theatrical Reading and Dance Performances Project Moses and Talk Back -Ethiopian Community Center January 9

* Celebrating Diversity Elder and Adult Music and Poetry Showcase for youth Cal Anderson Shelterhouse -November

* ** Homo Hop Queer Youth Social with Live DJ -COD event with GLSEN WA, Yesler CC December 10, 8 p.m. -midnight

* AAFIRM -African American Film Festival Releasing Movement "KINYARWANDA" SIFF Uptown -18 theater screenings -December 2 -Dec 16

* Green Lake Festival of Lights -LHPAC Artists provide Holiday Vocal, Dance and instrument Performances -December 10, 5 -8 pm

Twelve series of classes/seventeen one-time only events above

2011 Parks Commons Programs

* Little Brook Park Neighborhood Meeting May, noon -2 p.m.

* Little Brook Park BBQ June, noon -4 p.m.

* Little Brook Park Neighborhood Meeting June, noon -2 p.m.

* Capitol Hill Independence Day Community Picnic (Cal Anderson Park Alliance CAPA) -week of July 4th, noon -5 p.m.

* "Bring the Ring Back to Ballard": Traditional Bagpipers and music Inaugural ringing of the restored historic Ballard Belltower bell Bergen Place/Marvin's Garden -July, Tuesday, 5:30 6:30 p.m.

* Little Brook Park BBQ July, noon -4 p.m.

* Reading is Fun Duwamish Waterway Park: Storytelling/finger theater July, 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

* Little Brook Park Neighborhood Meeting July, noon -2 p.m.

* Reading is Fun at Duwamish Waterway Park: Storytelling /finger theater July, 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

* Little Brook Park Outdoor Movie Night July, 8 -11 p.m.

* Reading is Fun at Duwamish Waterway Park: Storytelling/finger theater Aug, 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

* Little Brook Park BBQ -August, noon -4 p.m.

* Othello Park International Music and Arts Festival (OPA Office of Police Accountability) July, noon -6 p.m.

* Duwamish River Festival and Youth Stage celebrating highly diverse river communitiesSouth Park, Georgetown, White Center, Tukwila, Burien and Renton youth performances (main stage/youth stage) -Duwamish Waterway Park August, 12 noon 6 p.m.

* Little Brook Park Neighborhood Meeting and Gathering August, noon -2 p.m.

* Little Brook Park Outdoor Movie Night -August, 8 -11 p.m.

* Little Brook Park BBQ -September, noon -4 p.m.

* Salon Ethiopia at Genesee Park (LHPAC) September 10, 10 a.m. -8 p.m.

* Little Brook Park Neighborhood Meeting and Gathering September, noon -2 p.m.

Six series of classes/eleven one-time events above

Appendix B -Center City Parks 2011 Partners

CENTER CITY PARKS 2011 DONATIONS

Sounders $10,000

4Culture--Site-Specific $11,000

Downtown Seattle Association/Metropolitan Improvement District $3125

Alliance for Pioneer Square $5,000

Tom Douglas Salmon Bakes $16.770

SCID Public Development Authority $1,999

Seattle Park Foundation $1,000

Seattle Art Museum $1,400

Cal Anderson Alliance $1,000

TOTAL $51,294

Appendix C -2012 Draft Langston Hughes Schedule

2012 Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center and Parks Commons Program

DRAFT SCHEDULE

PEOPLE in PARKS youth presenters and actors bringing parks named for people of Color, LBGTQ and Women alive with actors portraying the named person -within Seattle public and private schools -SEE LISTING FOR Parks Commons Program Activation Events

* COD-LGBTQ Youth/Teen (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Creative Performances Celebrating Our Diversity -dates TBD

* Underground Railroad 'The Continuing Story' public talks specific films and locations TBD dates TBD

* GREY to GREENSTAGE -LHPAC about town -dates TBD

* UW World Series Harlem String Quartet youth event at University Meany Hall -dates TBD

* AFFRM -African American Film Festival Releasing Movement -dates TBD

* LHPAC at Green Lake ARCH Summer Stage -various dates TBD

* LHPAC Summer at Lavizzo Park Music and Performance Series LHPAC with performing arts groups for community engagement July August

* Born This Way Kafe(tm) A welcoming place where GLBTQ youth + Friends + Allies can gather, be themselves, engage in spoken word, poetry, performance and film at Cal Anderson Shelterhouse -Weekly, Fridays -January Sept

* Summer Performing Art in Pratt Park Culminating Event Spoken Word, RAP, HIP HOP -August 10 58 pm.

* 2nd LINE JAZZ SEATTLE(tm) Historical Central District Parade via Historical Central District Trail Jazz and Song Lavizzo Park and East /West Promenades August 27

* ARTS CRUSH -dates TBD

* PINK PROM -May 19 -Miller Community Center

* Queer Youth Social with Live DJ (Youth Pride Dance and/or Homo Hop) -COD events with GLSEN WA -Site TBD June 23

* Green Lake Festival of Lights -LHPAC Artists provide Holiday Vocal and instrument Performances - Saturday, December 8, 5:30 -8: p.m.

2012 Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center OFFSITE Classes Draft

* Hip Hop and Freestyle Jefferson CC Thursdays -April 5 June14 (additional dates TBD)

* Hip Hop and Freestyle South Park CC Mondays/Wednesdays, April 2 -June 13 (additional dates TBD)

* Music Makers -Southwest CC -Fridays, April 6 -June 15 (additional dates TBD)

* Evolutionary Words teaches spoken word, poetry, life scripts Jefferson CC Mondays, April 2 -Jun 11 (additional dates TBD)

* Mock Trial Legal Theater(tm) Jefferson CC -Monday, Wednesday, Thursday -dates TBD

* Police Youth Alliance -Role Reversal -Legal Theater(tm) -dates TBD

* Raising Voices -South West CC Tues and Wed, April 3 -Jun 13 (additional dates TBD)

* Art in the Park music, dance, visual and performing arts classes -Pratt Park Mon through Fri, June 25 -August 10

* African GRIO -The Traditional Story as Theater Yesler CC Saturdays

* Immigrant and Emigre Youth World Lyrics -Informal Youth lead Teen Life Centers & Late Night locations -July November

* Teen Music Studios -Voice and Instrumental Garfield Teen Life Center; Rainier Late Night Program and SW Teen Life CenterFridays and Saturdays, January December

* Teen Life Center Music Studio Labs --Garfield Teen Life Center; SW Teen Life centerWeekly, Monday -Friday

* Linge Singe Traditional Drum Line Class various sites -June November

* Tuning In and Voicing Out(tm) new voices, spoken word, film Garfield, Southwest and Meadowbrook Teen Life Centers weekly, August December

* Interviews with Elders -ongoing --teaches youth how to interview and produce written commentaries private residences, senior centers, businesses monthly, September December

2012 Parks Commons Program Activation Events Opportunities for Youth Draft

(Projecting 10 "People in Parks" Performances out of the following sites listed below with multiple presentations of the same persona)

Northeast (2 performances)

* People in Parks at Sacajawea Playground (Native American) date TBD

* Community Events at Little Brook Park (BBQ, Outdoor Movie Night, Clean-Up Day) -date TBD

Central (4 Performances)

* People in Parks at Jimi Hendrix Park (African American) date TBD

* People in Parks at Sam Smith Park (African American) date TBD

* People in Parks at Leschi Park (Native American) date TBD

* People in Parks at Judge Charles M. Stokes Overlook (African American) date TBD

* People in Parks at Horiuchi Park (Japanese) date TBD

* People in Parks at Cal Anderson Park (LGBTQ) date TBD

* Flo Ware Celebration at Flo Ware Park -(African American) date TBD

Southeast (2 Performances)

* People in Parks at John C. Little Sr. Park (African American) date TBD

* People in Parks at Kubota Garden (Japanese) date TBD

* People in Parks at Dr. Joe Rizal Park (Filipino) date TBD

* Othello Park International Arts and Music Festival and Rainier Valley Heritage Parade August 19

Southwest (2 Performances)

* People in Parks at Ceasar Chavez Park (Latino) date TBD

* People in Parks at Walter Hundley Playfield (African American) date TBD

* Duwamish River Festival Youth Stage at Duwamish Waterway Park -August 25

Appendix D -2010-2011 Langston Hughes Grants Received

Appendix E -Stories

APPENDIX E: Program Stories

CENTER CITY PARKS STORIES AND FEEDBACK

Center City programs serve any and all who happen to walk by or show up for an event because they read about it in the paper. And then they wander away again! Collecting individualized stories from our users can thus be a challenge. But we do issue surveys every year, receive emails and letters, and hear about ourselves through the media. Below is a selection of that feedback, to help tell the story of what we do as told by our park users.

CHESS and BOCCE

Sent to PKS_Info@seattle.gov by citizen Barbara Ahern: KUDOS to whomever had the brilliant idea to make the life size chess available. The music, etc. is nice however chess has made the difference. People from all walks of life are watching, waiting, learning and bringing their own sets. I walk trough West Lake park every day of the year. It is so wonderful to see families, friends, people working, appearing relaxed and unafraid. The soul of West Lake has changed. Everyone feels invited, young, old, and from all walks of life. My hat is off to you!!!!

* * *

From SDOT employee Darby Watson: I was down in Pioneer Square today and I wanted to let you know that the Bocce courts were drawing a crowd, even on a cloudy Monday! Congratulations! I didn't see any chess games but there was a fabulous busker playing and it looked and felt like a different place!

Thanks for all of your hard work!

DANCING TIL DUSK

Excerpt of letter from Alan Healy: ....I used to avoid downtown like the plague, but this program has gotten this Wedgwood resident downtown more often in the last three years than in the prior 25 years.

Dancing til Dusk provides a lot of joy for dancers, music lovers and Seattleites who happen to stroll by. A lot of tourists pass by too, stop and see a perfect example of a city that is lively, friendly, and dedicated to the arts.

* * *

A few comments from our surveys:

* The dancing in the parks got me to parks I never would have visited. I almost never came downtown before these started.

* Three and a half years ago, I had never danced a day in my life. Thanks to Lilli Ann Carey and the DANCING TIL DUSK events, I became an enthusiastic swing dancer. I now dance several times a week, and am on the board of the Savoy Swing Club 501(c)(3). Because of dancing, I lost 150 pounds in a year and a half, and met a wonderful woman. :) Many thanks!

* Dancing Til Dusk brings a whole community of Seattle area dancers to the parks, and also draws in passers-by, who I've seen stop to watch and stay. A great time of day to feel safe in a park, too!

* I just want to reiterate how much I enjoy the special programs that I've been able to attend (I work during many of the programs, but not all.) I have especially enjoyed the dancing, being a social dancer myself and knowing how good and uplifting getting together with others for such a fun activity can be. I hope that you will continue these events!

* * *

A letter from citizen David Owen: Dancing til Dusk has been a wonderful addition to the downtown area. It gives people a chance to experience Seattle in a positive way that promotes a genuine sense of community. What I love about this program is that it brings out a diverse mix of ages, and cultures. Breaking down age or ethnic barriers in this age should be a priority for any city. There is no better way to achieve this than through dance. There is no substitute for meeting people face to face and experiencing something with such universal appeal. Meeting a diverse group of people and sharing a personal experience is what makes Dancing til Dusk unique.

This program has given me a renewed appreciation for the Seattle parks. Dancing at the sculpture park during sunset was a truly memorable experience that would not have possible without the Dancing til Dusk program. Seattle Parks and Recreation's Mission has always been to provide a safe and welcoming opportunities to play, learn, contemplate, and build community. There is no better example of this than the Dancing til Dusk program. Please continue your support for this unique and truly special program.

* * *

From Dancing til Dusk participant Sarah Parnell: In 2008, when I moved back to the Puget Sound, I discovered Seattle's vibrant social dance community, and fell in love with an activity that simultaneously meets so many of my interests. Dance is social, it's exercise, it's beauty with movement. Dance is joyful, and it very quickly became what I planned my social schedule around. When I discovered the summer Dances in the Park in 2009, I found that I had to organize my summer schedule to miss as few of these dances as possible. The ultimate dance for me is the Ball Blanc because of the pure romance of it ... waltzing in a sea of white under as the sun sets against Seattle's high-rises at Freeway Park.

When I talk to others about my passion for dance, I always mention these summer dances. Not only are they are fun, but I'm also usually talking with others who don't dance, but who are curious and interested. These dances are a great introduction ... and can be enjoyed whether as a dancer or not. What better way to enjoy Seattle summers than dancing with great people to great music in Seattle's parks!!

ARTSPARKS PROGRAM

From Charlie Rathbun, 4Culture Arts: ArtSparks began as an experimental collaboration between King County's 4Culture and Seattle City Parks to redefine what "art in the parks" can be -redefining our community's preconceptions of what a park is and what is art. 4Culture's Site Specific Program is intended to break down the traditional boundaries between art, the viewer, and the environment, to take art "out of the box" and engage audiences in new and unexpected ways, to reach people who may never attend a performance hall or art museum. It encourages artists to respond to our civic environment, and address the scale and complexity of outdoor performance and installation.

ArtSparks took the bold step of re-imagining Occidental Park in its entirety as a grand venue for artistic creative expression and invited artists to explore their ideas and responses. This included the trees, the surfaces, the neighborhood, the residents, the merchants, the setting, the uses, and the history. In the process, we uncovered a sector of the arts community we did not know, who do not work through the traditional framework of institutional art practices, and we inspired a generation of emerging young artists. Through ArtSparks we were reminded that artists care about their community, and about celebrating our sense of place and history. Seattle Parks staff are to be commended for embracing the spirit of this idea. More than 40 interactive projects took place over the last three years engaging dozens of Seattle's most respected performance and installation artists and delighting local merchants and parks patrons.

ArtSparks illustrates the potential for our city parks to be more than just passive recipients of urban art. They can be proactive collaborators in welcoming and encouraging the creative expression of an entire community and, in the process, an evolving dynamic civic identity for our city and our region. We have really just begun to realize the potential of this partnership.

* * *

Excerpted from artSPARKS artist Mimi Allin's first day's report during her week long performance of reading Tolstoy aloud in Occidental: I read to a great many men and women, old and young, of every shape, color and size, some with luggage, some without, most sober, a few drunk, some multilingual, some with no English at all.

* * *

From Todd Vogel, Executive Director The International Sustainability Institute: Art Sparks in Occidental Park helps our community enormously. Our neighborhood has a large amount of illegal or unhealthy activities as well as a homeless population that can sometimes seem to dominate public spaces. The International Sustainability Institute's office is less than a block from Occidental Park, and the quality of that public space has a big impact on our block and on our businesses.

Art Sparks has helped tip the scales of Occidental Park from a drab park sometimes dominated by homeless people sleeping and drug users selling their wares to a lively space where tourists, office workers and other businesses spend time in the public space. The people drawn to see Art Sparks work help make the park -and Pioneer Square -safer and more comfortable to spend time in. It's a cheap investment in the safety and wellbeing of our community.

* * *

From ARTSparks artist Suzanne Tidwel, creator of the "tree sweaters" in Occidental---formally called Artificial Light : The ARTSparks program is an innovative partnership pairing artists with the public by providing a rotating gallery of outdoor art all summer. Bringing art into public parks makes it accessible to everyone at any time of day. It also provides the added benefit of drawing residents, business people, tourists, shoppers, art patrons, sports enthusiasts, and casual passersby into the parks.

I feel so privileged to have been included in the 2011 program. So many photos were taken of Artificial Light by visitors while it was on display and these photos have passed all over the globe. I am contacted all the time by people wanting information about the project. While it was a huge undertaking, I appreciate all the support provided by Seattle Parks & Recreation during its display. Looking forward to ARTSparks 2012!!

You know...Art doesn't just happen!

CONCIERGES

From Seattle Police Officer James Garner, June 2011: During the last several months of walking a foot-beat of the Pike-Pine corridor with my partner, officerTom Christenson, I have observed your park concierges engaged in positive activities that have enhanced the enjoyment of Westlake Park and Victor Steinbrueck Park for the betterment of all citizens....All three have been great to work with and have worked diligently to make the park-going experience a wonderful one for all visitors.

If not for their outstanding efforts at engaging with citizens, setting up tables and chess sets, cleaning up litter, and providing a safe atmosphere, our jobs as police officers would be more challenging. Thank you for providing these great employees in our downtown parks! I sincerely hope you and the Seattle Parks Department can continue to offer this wonderful and meaningful service to our downtown community.

* * *

From Todd Vogel, Executive Director International Sustainability Institute; Lisa Quinn, Executive Director Feet First; Barbara Culp, Executive Director The Bicycle Alliance of Washington; Benjamin Rainbow, Owner Back Alley Bike Repair: The Concierge Program in Occidental Park is one of the best deals in town for the City of Seattle. Our neighborhood faces challenges from the drug trade, public urination and other illegal or unhealthy activities. Without some city presence in Occidental Park, the park would be nearly unusable for those interested in healthy activities. Moreover, a full-time police officer for the Park is expensive and would create an uneasy atmosphere.

The Nord Building is home to several organizations: The International Sustainability Institute, The Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Feet First and Back Alley Bike Repair. Located in the Nord Alley, directly south of Occidental Park, we are all striving to help our streets and public areas feel safe and inviting without the need for a heavy police presence. We do that by activating streets, public spaces and alleys in Pioneer Square. And we are grateful for the results created by Occidental Park's concierge staff and programming.

That staff -James, Phillip, Sammy and others -all keep eyes on the park. They also invite new people to the park -they set out tables and chairs, direct newcomers, and help coordinate ARTSparks and busking programs. The illegal activity doesn't go away completely, but through the efforts of the concierge staff, the climate in the park remains welcoming to everyone.

On bad weather days, we miss their presence and notice that the park is less inviting with more trash, unhealthy activity and lack of direction for tourists. We strongly support continuing funding for the concierge program in Seattle Parks.

* * *

From Ashanti Bitar, resident and member of Friends of Westlake Park: I am sending a quick note to let the Parks Department know how much I appreciate the concierge in Westlake Park. I work in the Seaboard Building that's located in Westlake Park. The park is literally at our front door. The concierge staff has added an overall feeling of vibrancy in the park. When I leave my office, I see people playing chess and sitting at tables and chairs. There are tourist and locals engaged in conversation with the concierge as he's giving directions or information on downtown. There is far less disruptive behavior while the concierge is on duty. Before the concierge program, I wouldn't consider sitting in the park. The park was a place that I, and many others, quickly walked through. Now, this is no longer the case. The concierge program has been an invaluable addition to Westlake Park and I hope it continues.

* * *

From Bill Mackay, President Friends of Westlake Park: The Concierge at Westlake Park, on any given day, probably interfaces with more Seattle citizens and tourists than any other single city employee. He is the point man for how our city is viewed by many. If he was not there to set-up...[chess, furniture, info booth, etc.]... the park would be much less hospitable than it is under his care...

As a well established park entity, he is someone who locals trust to point out anything that is perhaps amiss and he is in this capacity, an important element in the Park's security. The SPD Foot Patrol Officers swing through the Park periodically, but when they rove around the rest of the Central Business District, they know that the concierge will alert them to any pending situation that requires their rapid return. In this respect he is a very key person in the most visible part of our city.

This combined Ambassador for the city\Park organizer\Watch guard is by far the best idea, and use of the city's budget, that I have seen in the 12 years that I have resided in Seattle Central Business District. The Westlake Concierge is absolutely indispensible!

BUSKERS

An impromptu flash mob described by busker Pasquale: Just wanted to tell you about the amazing flash mob that happened last Saturday at Westlake. Two show choirs, one from Utah, another from Idaho showed up to meet their buses. (over 200 teenagers) I started playing from my Broadway set and they gathered around. Together we did Into the West from Lord of the Rings and Bring Him Home from Les Miserable. They followed my every direction and sang in 3 part harmony, I still get emotional thinking about. So much talent! Just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to make this happen and bring so much positive energy to Westlake.

* * *

From busker Paul Federowicz: A sweet story, from Westlake: There were some older 'bag ladies' near to where I was playing in the center of the Park. They seemed uncertain of me, at first, but as I played one of them really started to light up and responded with occasional applause. She was likely a real beauty in her day because she was still lovely, despite rough living. After two hours, when I was done playing, she came up, wrapped in a blanket, and tentatively placed a wadded five dollar bill on my music stand, thanking me in broken English. That would be a big tip from even a successful businessperson. Unsure what to do, I continued to pack up while I made my decision. After a few minutes, I walked back over to her bench and thanked her warmly but encouraged her to take back the money, that she likely needed it. Insistent, she pushed it away, smiled, and, in her Eastern European brogue, said "From my Heart. Thank you." I decided this was her price for dignity, and I blessed her, with whatever power to bless is within me. That was the sweetest tip I've ever received. That's why I play music for people. Not for the tip itself, but for the human contact, the relationship.

BOOK CART IN FREEWAY PARK

Excerpted from Seattle Sketcher by Gabriel Campanario:

Books at Freeway Park are almost free

"...Park concierge Kyle Emerson arrived soon after carrying boxes full of books the Friends of Seattle Public Library host book sales here Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m. He said the book carts are good for the park because they bring in more for the park because they bring in more visitors and also good for the library because it gives them a way to raise money from donated books. They are all priced $1. You can't really beat that price....Michael J. Brennan bought three paperbacks, all titles by favorite author Dean Koontz. "I'm buying so many so I can make it through the winter," said Brennan, who likes to come here to enjoy a moment of solitude away from the office. By the time I had to leave, many people were stopping by and browsing through the stacks..."

Copyright (c) The Seattle Times Company

* * *

From Riisa Conklin, Jim Ellis Freeway Park Association Program Coordinator: Before I learned that Freeway Park was five acres of meandering open spaces from 6th to 9th Avenues, I knew it simply as the book cart plaza. My bus from Madrona passed by the park every afternoon stopping at 6th and Seneca with a view down onto the book cart canopies and the bustling plaza of lunch breakers, sun bathers and book readers. "That is a destination." I thought to myself. Now, as the Program Director of the Freeway Park Association I am even more appreciative of the book carts as they anchor one end of our Park and act as an invitation to come in and explore. The members of our Association and our surrounding communities look forward to the arrival of the book carts as they signify the beginning of summer and provide opportunities for pause and connection and interaction that are rare in our busy urban environment. We look forward to the continued presence of the Seattle Library Book Carts in Freeway Park and hope to see you there soon!

GENERAL COMMENTS

From Don Blakeney, Executive Director Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area: The Center City Parks Program has been an integral part of the revitalization of South Downtown, from Pioneer Square to Little Saigon. As a community advocate, and economic development professional, I have seen first-hand how the programming of the Center City Parks--and perhaps more importantly, the coordination that the office of Center City Parks provides-leverages private and community investments to create safe, quality parks. It's the active open spaces like Hing Hay Park and Occidental Park that enliven our streets and enrich our communities. Whether it's Dancing Till Dusk, outdoor games, or the Center City Parks support of the Chinatown-ID Night Market, Dragon Fest, or Pioneer Square's Seattle Square--our events are much stronger with the integral support of the Center City Parks staff and resources.

* * *

From Leslie Smith, Executive Director The Alliance for Pioneer Square: On behalf of the Alliance for Pioneer Square and the Pioneer Square Historic District, we want to applaud City Center Parks for the collaborative work in our neighborhood; with the long standing partnership between the neighborhood and Seattle Parks and Recreation to bring activity to Occidental Square. The special events, routine programming and the concierge service have made the park a safer, more welcoming, enjoyable place for everyone to enjoy. We attribute much of the success of the programs to the consistency in which they have been implemented.

Occidental is many things: a sunny place to have a lunch in the summer, a reliable meeting point for First Thursday, a place to grab a game of chess, a lively launching point for a march to the Sounders match, a place to remember the Firefighters, a place to get information about the neighborhood, and much more. None of this would occur without Center City Parks. Your participation makes a significant difference in downtown neighborhoods and parks; Occidental wouldn't be the same without your critical partnership. Thank you for all you do.

* * *

From Joyce Pisnanont, Seattle Chinatown-International District Public Development Authority: The Center City Parks program has played a criticial role in helping to catalyze and sustain the revitalization of parks/open spaces in the International District. It is because of the Center City Parks program (and the resources it leveraged in cash, supplies and staff time) that our neighborhood's annual Night Market was able to grow into one of the C/ID's signature events that draws in thousands of visitors each year. The program also has played a critical role in helping to support programming within the International Children's Park both before and after its recent renovation. With their support, a small fledging group of community stakeholders have successfully been able to re-engage young children and their families so that they can safely recreate in the only public play space in the neighborhood. The staff of the Center City Parks program are masters at leveraging resources, and stretching existing resources, to create fun and engaging opportunities for the International District community to enjoy its parks and open spaces as they should be safe, healthy and vibrant places for people of all ages.

* * *

From resident and community organizer Jen Kelly, who developed a weekly summertime flea market in Occidental: For two years in a row, I worked with Center City Parks to activate Occidental Park in Pioneer Square with a vintage summertime market. The market had an amazing impact on the neighborhood and the positive response from tourists, residents, and business owners was overwhelming. Center City Parks was vital to the success of this event -I could not have imagined a better experience than working with Victoria and Adrienne to pull off this event.

Our park also benefits from many other CCP programs and activation activities, including ArtSparks, a park concierge, buskers, etc., that make an obvious difference on the general feeling of the neighborhood, especially with our unique population and the general perception issues in Pioneer Square. Those events and activities enliven the park and market our neighborhood without any effort from the rest of us, but with obvious effort and dedication from the CCP team.

* * *

A few comments from our 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 surveys:

* Thanks, Seattle Parks are wonderful! I LOVE the cultural activities and think they are important to create opportunities for people to do healthy things with their neighbors. I especially love that you can learn to grow food in free workshops and also listen to live music.

* My biggest concern is feeling safe in the downtown area during the business day. Even if I am not attending an event, the atmosphere of the parks have dramatically changed. I feel confident to walk thru Occidental Park, for example, during the day, knowing there are other people there besides the homeless. I think the program(s) make Seattle parks very positive to visitors and possibly benefit the citizens of Seattle even more so. I love the tree socks!!

* i loved my seattle tilth gardening class! it was so fun and very very informative. step by step instructions right down to where to get the dirt and compost and which brands to buy made gardening easy even for a very busy person like myself. i also discovered cal anderson park and the free yoga there too. awesome! please keep these classes going!

* Occidental Park was more active, full of tourists, and looked cleaner and more welcoming than ever before. The energy in the park was different this summer and felt much happier.

LANGSTON HUGHES PERFORMING CENTER STORIES

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center Summer Musical -2007

As a cast member in the Summer Musical from 2004 to 2007, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center staff helped me to become more confident as we performed before thousands on stage at the Paramount Theatre and The Seattle Rep. Staff taught us about performing, self respect and discipline during those amazing summers. In 2007, I went on to major in theater at Howard University in Washington DC. Since then, I performed in Ain't Misbehavin' at Atlas Theatre, Snowy Day at Adventure Theatre in addition to other productions. Recently, I was cast in Dream Girls at Signature Theatre in December 2012, in addition to being a cast member in the TV show Bizkid$ for several years. Many of my friends from the Summer Musical's at LHPAC have gone on to be successful performers as well, or have become successful in other fields because of the confidence, discipline and self respect they gained at LHPAC. My time at LHPAC is treasured and the memories are precious to me and my friends. If not for LHPAC, many youth would be living hopeless lives because LHPAC was the place where they learned that they were good, worthy, talented and beautiful. Laureen Dupree, Artists, Actress and Singer

* * *

I was in the play "Obama on my Mind" (2009) which was new and challenged me artistically but it was also politically current and relevant way beyond just being a play. it inspired the whole cast and gave me a sense of pride every night as I saw the impact the work had on audience members. Since the play, I have worked and volunteered at every possible opportunity. Josephine Howell, Singer Actress.

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We are thrilled to be working in partnership with LHPAC for our upcoming All-SMP Concert & Celebration this June. For years, we have had the opportunity to bring students (numbering in the hundreds) to such events as the Seattle Symphony's community concerts, and visiting artists, the Marian Anderson String Quartet ( sic -at LHPAC). And now our students will be able to perform on the very same stage! We treasure these opportunities what a wonderful resource and just blocks away from where we hold our after-school music sessions! Scott Gelband, Executive Director, Seattle Music Partners

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The histories of red and black America have long intertwined. As seen in our most recent census results, Native American and African American blood have come together in one river flowing through the veins of a significant portion of this nation's Indigenous peoples. That this kinship should be reflected on the stage and in the programming of Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center is cause for celebration of a shared vision of cultural sovereignty. Fern Renville Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Managing Director, Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre

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DE CAJON Project is a community based arts organization that seeks to raise awareness about the cultural contributions of peoples of African descent in Peru. As one of very few organizations focused on the African Diaspora it is crucial for us to have a partner like Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. LHPAC serves as a home base for many artists and organizations like DE CAJON Project; it fosters and supports collaborations among artists and activists with similar goals and vision. The facility is world class and allows space for multicultural conversations and creative exchange. Monica RojasStewart, Ph.D. Director, DE CAJON Project

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Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute is a vessel for the recreation reaffirmation and rededication of the Afro Diaspora Arts. LHPAC holds the wisdom to inspire and the facility to make truth a new way of creating on the African American traditions that benefit people of all walks of life. Jennifer Johns, 2012 LHPAC Artist in Residence and National Performing Arts Activist

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Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center came to being through the struggles of the civil rights movement. It is the historic gathering place for people who are concerned with African American Culture and Art. It is a place where we look to Art that deals with Social Justice and Equity and I was on the previous advisory council for 5years because of these values. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center also represents the Global Diaspora. It is a place of leadership and pride to the African American Community. Cecilia Beckwith, PHd, Community Member

LHPAC Summer Musical -2007

I was a cast member in the Summer Musicals and participate in volunteering, photography and vocal performances at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center since around 2006. Now I'm a junior at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences. Singing is the one thing I love to do most. At LHPAC, I sang in the Bobo's 2009 Summer Musical, at the Greenlake Festival of Lights, as well as other events. No other organization has given me this opportunity and that means so much to me. LHPAC is the only place I know of where I can do the things I love to do. Also, LHPAC staff really cares about youth. So many youth know the staff and they want to participate in programs and volunteer. LHPAC is a great place to have fun and to grow. Leila Gant, Youth Artist and Performer

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I searched far and wide last spring seeking a summer program for the arts. I specifically was looking for a program that was a diverse first class operation. It needed to offer a fun and challenge for my granddaughter. My granddaughter had participated in drama, dance, and music classes on the east side for over six years. The programs were okay yet I knew there was something missing. That something was the programs you provide and amazing staff at Langston Hughes provided. Each day I drove happily from Issaquah so Trinity could attend the performing arts program. I was excited about her teachers and the excitement they brought each day. It is not just about the curriculum, it is also about the dedication of the staff towards students and each of them taking a personal interest in those students beyond the class room. I am impressed with the program, the professional staff and the education my daughter received. The teachers were creative, took time to work with each child independently and made them feel special. Currently my granddaughter has used the tools she learned at Langston Hughes to audition for other things. She will play Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and has three solos in a Spring Festival. After the summer program at LHPAC she started playing the piano, writing songs, and creating her own music. She loves her teachers and can identify with their passion for the performing arts. At ten years old she has identified her teachers at LHPAC as her role models. We plan to build our summer vacation around LHPAC summer programs. She would love to take classes in the fall also. It was an honor for all our family to know that we have Langston Hughes here in Puget Sound. Langston Hughes is the model that all performing arts school should use. Thank you for being a Hub in the community. Sonya Manning -Community Member.

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Freshest Roots' partnership with Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center has enabled Freshest Roots to reach a new community of artists and advocates. The partnership has been an opportunity for crossorganizational mentorship. Our collaborative efforts are an essential aspect of community building and have been more than successful in captivating audiences from the Greater Puget Sound. Tony Innouvong Community Organizer and Teaching Artist Freshest Roots

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Langston Hughes is our communities' cultural voice and keeps opportunities for African American artists alive. Phyllis Yasatake, actress, parent, volunteer

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The (Saturday) auditions were great. The youth were expressive, creative, and prepared. The Judges did an excellent job of critiquing them, giving positive feedback, and practical advice to help improve their performances. This is such a great catalyst to make youth throughout the city and the community at large, aware of the opportunities available at and through Langston Hughes Performing Art Center. We look forward to working with you in inspiring current and future generations of artist and performers. Myron Leffall, Executive Director MyronL@gamenw,org

PARKS COMMONS STORIES

Born This Way Kafe'

SEATTLE It's prom season in Western Washington and the City of Seattle wanted to make sure teens who didn't feel comfortable at traditional dances would have a way to celebrate. The event was called the "Purple Prom" and the color was all over the Miller Community Center in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. The Saturday night dance wasn't about a color scheme, instead it was about creating a feeling. "It's a way to engage our youth in a way they can come together and celebrate who they are and who they represent," said Recreation Director Sue Goodwin, who helped plan the event. The Purple Prom is one of several programs the city is sponsoring in their efforts to reach out to lesbian, gay and transgender teens. King 5 News by AMY MORENO / KING 5 News

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Working in partnership with Randy Wiger and the Seattle Parks Commons Program has been a very valuable, positive experience. We have been working together with members of the Somali community (TechnoFormation Vocational Services) on a capacity building project, which includes programming for Somali youth, elders and women. As we have faced challenges, learning curves and brainstormed, Seattle Parks and Randy Wiger have been there every step of the way sharing resources, knowledge and support. I feel we have made more real progress on this project due to this partnership than we could have on our own. I've learned new ideas and new ways of community building and very much appreciate the support that is helping us to help the North Seattle Somali community. Ann Fuller ,Program Manager ,North Seattle Family Center, Children's Home Society of WA

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"... DRCC/TAG has developed and nurtured partnerships with different organizations, agencies, non-profits and community groups that truly want to see change happening in the Duwamish River Valley and care about its communities. One of these organizations is Seattle Parks, specifically its "Parks Commons Program." Without the support from Seattle Parks (both monetarily and logistically) and its staff, Randy Wiger, who played a key role in making sure the event was culturally competent, fun, safe and family-friendly, last year's festival most likely wouldn't have come to fruition. The festival was important to celebrate the diverse communities of the Duwamish River Valley on a year when it was most needed by them (closure of the South Park Bridge, economic recession, etc.), to support their local economy and helped us (DRCC/TAG) and over 40 other groups build community and connect with the community in an effective, personal and friendly way. We applaud and are grateful to Seattle Parks, its "Parks Commons Program" and its staff for the great work they do! Keep it up!" Alberto Rodriguez, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition / Technical Advisory Group (DRCC/TAG),

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In 2011 Events in the park and meetings to discuss concerns of the neighborhood have provided residents with an opportunity to connect with their neighbors, work on common projects, develop leadership skills, learn about community resources and events open to them in the broader Lake City community and in the North End; and increase a sense of stewardship over the park. The perceived availability of drugs has diminished. Positive use of the space for events such as barbecues and movie nights have displaced many of the negative uses such as drug dealing, substance abuse and fighting in around the park. Since the Community Commons program began residents have reported feeling safer in the park. Kelly McKinney, Project Coordinator, Seattle Neighborhood Group

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As a community person from South Park I really like to have access to our Duwamish River and enjoy the beautiful wildlife and beautiful surroundings the river has. I really support the idea of encouraging people to make a good use of the River and create ownership of the community through enjoying the River. One of the ways we like making the river welcoming is during our Duwamish River Festival, where we invite all the community of South Park and surrounding communities to enjoy a day full of activities and programs. For this, we are very grateful we partner up with the City of Seattle Parks Department and have their full support to allow the Festival and make it so the community can enjoy the Festival. I am very grateful the support, and the friendly staff, such as Staff member Randy Wiger who has always been helping us to walk us through the process, applications, rules, and responsibilities to use the park. It has made it easy to be able to partner up and work on this together. Thank you so much for all your help, support and guidance. Paulina Lopez, South Park Information and Resource Center, Chair. DRCC staff--community activist