Crown Hill Center planning new playground

The Crown Hill Playground Project Committee, comprised of parents, community members and Small Faces board of director members, are hard at work on an initiative to build a new playground at the Crown Hill Center.

"Small Faces is teaming with the community to provide a welcoming outdoor environment that connects families with play space opportunities” said Lynn B. Wirta, who recently retired after nearly 30 years as the center’s director and now leads this initiative.

The planning to build a play field as part of the Pro Parks Levy, which provides funds to create new parks in Seattle neighborhoods, started in 2005.

In 2006, the fundraising began and the Crown Hill Playground Project Committee applied to the city for a grant, which they will find out if they will receive this month.

Parents and community members have weighed in through a survey of what the playground should include, and though it is still a work in progress, the committee has decided on a climber and a rock wall for approximately $20,000.

Other possibilities for the playground include monkey bars, a tire swing, basketball courts, a volleyball net and an amphitheater for outdoor movies.

The surface of the playground has not been decided on but may contain any combination of grass, woodchips and cement.

At 3 p.m. on March 3, the playground project will have its groundbreaking event at 9250 14th Ave. N.W. All community members are welcome.

Several volunteers have already stepped forward to help with building the playground, planting and assisting with infrastructure issues.

Community members who wish to help with a donation to the Crown Hill Playground Project can send contributions to Small Faces Child Development Center Playground Fund at 9250 14th Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98117.

The former Crown Hill School was sold to Small Faces Child Development Center for use as a community center in 2009.