Shaquan Smith Discusses Seattle Parks and Rec Community Fund
Photos by Susan Fried
In a recent interview on The Day with Trae, Shaquan Smith, a representative from Seattle Parks and Rec, provided an update on the Community Fund initiative aimed at improving parks in underserved neighborhoods.
The program focuses on engaging "frontline communities," a term Smith prefers over "marginalized" or "vulnerable." These communities, which include Black, Indigenous, and people of color, as well as those with disabilities, are often the most impacted by changes in their neighborhoods but are also at the forefront of positive change.
The Community Fund project began by soliciting ideas from the community, gathering over 240 suggestions. With the help of community partners and Seattle Parks and Rec staff, these ideas were narrowed down to 27 potential projects.
Smith highlighted two particularly exciting projects. The first is the Black Legacy Park Project Master Plan, which aims to revitalize several parks in Seattle's Central District that hold historical significance for the Black community. Parks such as William Gross Park, Paul Barnett Park, and Sam Smith Park are set to receive much-needed improvements to ensure they continue to serve as vibrant community spaces.
The second project focuses on the installation of covered basketball courts. Many communities, particularly in the southeast, have voiced a need for these covered courts to facilitate year-round play, regardless of weather conditions.
The next step in the process is community selection. Throughout August, residents can vote for their top three projects in their region, either online or in person at upcoming events. Smith encourages everyone to participate and have their voices heard.
The final selection of projects is expected to be announced in October. Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and his desire to see these projects come to fruition for the benefit of Seattle's frontline communities.
Find Smith on line at linkedin.com/in/shaquansmith.
Tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
In a recent interview on The Day with Trae, Shaquan Smith, a representative from Seattle Parks and Rec, provided an update on the Community Fund initiative aimed at improving parks in underserved neighborhoods.
The program focuses on engaging "frontline communities," a term Smith prefers over "marginalized" or "vulnerable." These communities, which include Black, Indigenous, and people of color, as well as those with disabilities, are often the most impacted by changes in their neighborhoods but are also at the forefront of positive change.
The Community Fund project began by soliciting ideas from the community, gathering over 240 suggestions. With the help of community partners and Seattle Parks and Rec staff, these ideas were narrowed down to 27 potential projects.
Smith highlighted two particularly exciting projects. The first is the Black Legacy Park Project Master Plan, which aims to revitalize several parks in Seattle's Central District that hold historical significance for the Black community. Parks such as William Gross Park, Paul Barnett Park, and Sam Smith Park are set to receive much-needed improvements to ensure they continue to serve as vibrant community spaces.
The second project focuses on the installation of covered basketball courts. Many communities, particularly in the southeast, have voiced a need for these covered courts to facilitate year-round play, regardless of weather conditions.
The next step in the process is community selection. Throughout August, residents can vote for their top three projects in their region, either online or in person at upcoming events. Smith encourages everyone to participate and have their voices heard.
The final selection of projects is expected to be announced in October. Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and his desire to see these projects come to fruition for the benefit of Seattle's frontline communities.
Find Smith on line at linkedin.com/in/shaquansmith.
Tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
