Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Newsletter

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 03/28/2024 09:46 AM PDT
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A black and white photo of a group of performers posing together on stage.

The Griot Party Experience Amplifies Black Storytelling in Seattle

Earlier this year, Seattle-based educator, artist, and activist, Logic Amen, hosted The Griot Party Experience at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. The event was made possible by a special collaboration between Amen and the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and included moving performances and powerful storytelling rooted in the Griot tradition.

Read more on the Front Porch Blog. 

Other City News

Invest in Local Talent with Seattle Youth Employment Program Summer Interns: Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) with the Seattle Human Services Department is searching for businesses and organizations to host summer interns to support their career development and professional growth. See how a SYEP intern can help your organization.

Enjoy the Upcoming Solar Eclipse with Free Viewing Glasses: Get Ready! Seattle will experience a partial eclipse when the moon passes between the earth and the sun on Monday, April 8. Pick up a free pair of viewing glasses at The Seattle Public Library. Learn more about this event.

Food Rescue Innovation Grant Funds Creative Solutions to Reducing Food Waste: Seattle Public Utilities is accepting grant applications to improve the distribution of edible, unsold food to feed people in need while also reducing waste. Learn more about the grant guidelines and apply by April 16.

Renovations Aim to Maintain Downtown Streets and Increase Transportation Reliability: Seattle Department of Transportation is collaborating with King County Metro, other City departments, and downtown partners to build improvements and increase accessibility on 3rd Ave in Downtown Seattle. Read about the planned improvements for 2024.

Park CommUNITY Fund Helps Advance Park Equity in Seattle: Want to help expand inclusive access to parks, close gaps in access to quality parks and facilities, and build community trust? Learn how you can submit an idea online or in person at a pop-up event or Community Center near you.

Award Winning Seattle Preschool Program is Expanding: Mayor Harrell and education leaders have announced 16 new Seattle Preschool Program classrooms across the city. Applications are now available for the 2024-2025 school year. Learn more about Seattle Preschool Program and apply today!

In The Community

An adult and an Indigenous youth smile as they walk a surf board out into the ocean

Out & Back: Riding the Waves with Indigenous Youth

Watch Crosscut’s Alison Mariella surf for the first time on Quinault shores with Warm Current, a camp that shares the sport with young Native students. She chats with Warm Current employees and members of the Quinault Tribe about the program and how it helps Indigenous youth connect with their local waters. Out & Back explores the Pacific Northwest with the change-makers who are reclaiming space, creating awareness and delivering access for the health and well-being of BIPOC communities in the region.

Read more in Crosscut.
Two children, one Black and one Asian, shake hands from across the table over a chess game.

Rainier Beach Chess Tournament Teaches Youth Tactics that Apply to Life

On March 24, Rainier Beach hosted its second annual Detective Cookie Chess Classic Tournament. The tournament was an all-day event open to players in the K–12 age range and included five rounds, lunch, and an awards ceremony. Approximately 150 students from around the Seattle area participated.

Read more in South Seattle Emerald.

Share Your Feedback

Community Invited to Review South Park Marra-Desimone Play Area Designs: Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the community to provide input on the future play area designs that were shaped by community feedback. Take a quick survey to see the designs and give your feedback.

Public Input Needed for Little Brook Park Redevelopment: Participate in the selection of new design and play equipment for the redevelopment of the park. Survey and materials are available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Tigrinya, Urdu, and Traditional Chinese. Complete the survey by April 7.

Help Review Play Area Designs for Bryant Neighborhood Playground: Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the community to join them at the Seattle Public Library, NE Branch on April 10 to provide input on the future play area of Bryant Neighborhood Playground. Learn more about the project and how to get involved.

Shape the Future of Firehouse Mini Park: Join Seattle Parks and Recreation on April 6 from 10 am to noon at Byrd Bard Place to meet the design team and provide input on the conceptual designs for the future play area. Read more about the Firehouse Mini Park design project.

Join Community Open House for Dr. Jose Rizal Park Renovation: Community members are invited to provide input on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park. The project looks to renovate the upper section and enhance the park’s amenities. Learn more about the open house or take a quick survey to provide feedback on the project.