After months of technical analysis and input from the community, SPU has identified the most-promising locations for natural drainage in Ballard. A map of those streets is here.

SPU identified these locations by using the results of technical work and feedback from residents.

If you live on these blocks, SPU wants to hear from you. Join us to discuss the project:

Wednesday, June 5, 6-8 p.m., Northminster Presbyterian Church, 7706 25th Ave NW.

6-6:30 p.m.: Overview for those new to the project
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Open house with project staff
7:30-8 p.m.: Breakout sessions by project area

SPU will continue to talk with residents this summer to gather feedback. In fall 2013 SPU will announce its recommendation and will work with residents on block designs through 2014. Construction would begin in 2015.

If you can’t make it to the meeting, you can always contact Project Lead Shanti Colwell:shanti.colwell@seattle.gov
or 206-386-1501. We will notify you about opportunities to be involved over the summer.

Thank you for your interest in the project.

Groundswell NW thanks all who attended our 2013 Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 7 at the Sunset Hill Community Club. Featured speakers included Pomegranate Center founder Milenko Matanovic, and East Ballard Community Association leader Dawn Hemminger, who gave inspirational presentations on creating parks and community spaces.

In addition to a question-and-answer with the two speakers, Groundswell NW presented its annual “Local Heroes” awards, which recognize fellow Ballardites’ efforts to create and enhance parks, public spaces, and habitat in our community. The Friends of Kirke Park were recognized for their wildly successful efforts to create Ballard's newest community park. Candace Jarrett was lauded for her "beyond the call of duty" efforts to improve the Sunset Hill - Shilshole Gateway. And while he wasn't able to attend the annual meeting, Rob Mattson was recognized there and at the April 10 Ballard District Council meeting for being the "man behind the curtain," helping Groundswell and other groups and citizen's negotiate the City bureaucracy and build community in Ballard for many years (see this Ballard News Tribune article).

We also elected our slated of officers for the coming year: President David Folweiler, Vice President Frana Milan, Secretary Jan Satterthwaite and Treasurer Matt Hutchins.

Already a new neighborhood favorite, Kirke Park will keep getting better with the addition of a trellis, thanks to a Neighborthood Matching Fund Grant. See more in this KOMO Ballard article.

Sustainable Ballard is working with SPU to help spread the word about the RainWise program.

In the Ballard Basin*, property owners can get beautiful and functional landscaping, and stored rain water for watering gardens - with up to 100% of the cost paid by the City of Seattle.  (SPU paid for about 85% of our raingarden costs.)  It was designed and built by the Ballard Corners Park landscape architect, John Barker.

For additional information about raingardens, contact Jenny Heins of Sustainable Ballard.

*the Ballard Basin Rebate Area! This is roughly west of 15th Ave NW, and from NW 56th St to NW 85th. Check your address here! (Outside the area?  RainWise will be city-wide by the end of 2015.)