Site Improvement Plan >> Field Improvement

Coho Elementary and NOMS Middle School moved to the James Monroe School Building in the summer of 1999. The historic and stately building had plenty of room to house the 245 elementary and the 360 middle school students, but the site itself needed work. So we immediately began to make a multi-phased, long term plan for this 4.3 acre site!

PHASE I - OVERALL MASTER PLAN: COMPLETED SUMMER 2000
In January of 2000, we were awarded a $10,000 Small and Simple Matching Fund Grant from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods to hold public meetings and create a working "Master Plan" for the 4.3 acre site. Working with
Barker Landscape Architects, the volunteer steering committee gathered input from school students, parents, staff and school neighbors to come up with a three-phase plan. The plan phases are listed below.

PHASE II - FRONT OF BUILDING LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENT: COMPLETED SUMMER 2002
In 2001, we began the first "construction" phase of the overall improvement plan on the South side of our magnificent building. From looking at historic photographs, we knew that this area had once been an elegant, simply designed landscape of sharply cut boxwoods bordering manicured tiers of lawn. Of course, due to budget cutbacks and general neglect what was left was largely random holly bushes, invasive St. John's Wort and other hardy invaders! In this phase we attempted to address three issues: Student Safety/Use, Aesthetics, and Wise-Water Practices. Once again, we hired
Barker Landscape Architects and went to work.

We addressed student safety and use by designing and building two low, angular seating walls where students could wait for parents or gather to visit up away from the always-busy traffic on NW 65th Street on the middle tier of the cascading topography. All 600 students also made personalized clay "leaves" to be mounted on this wall in an attractive Vine and Leaf
design. This element will be installed in spring 2003.

We addressed the desperately needed aesthetic piece by combining the efforts of landscape designers with a team of experienced volunteers to develop plant combinations that would be both beautiful year round and drought tolerant. We wanted plants that would be attractive year round so students, passersby, and neighbors could enjoy the view. It was also important to have a landscape that complemented the stately lines of the historic building.

Finally, we addressed the environmental and water-use issues by selecting plants and eco-grass that can thrive through the summer with little or no additional watering. To ensure their initial success, we installed a temporary drip irrigation system which will be shut down when the plants are fully established during the second year.

PHASE III - UPPER FIELD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: IN PROGRESS
This critical phase of the plan will see the replacement of the large asphalt field at the northernmost tier of the site with a useful, U-10 sports turf field, a full court basketball court, a running track, and tetherball courts! It will also improve ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access.

Last spring we were awarded $10,000 from the Department of Neighborhoods, and $40,000 from the Parks Department's "Gray to Green" program. With this $50,000, the sports field committee hired DA Hogan Sports Field Engineering firm to complete a preliminary drawing, assist the committee with two public meeting, complete construction drawings, and obtain construction permits. As of mid-November 2002, DA Hogan is beginning to work on the construction drawings and to apply for permits.

We have an construction cost estimate of approximately $660,000. Fundraising is currently in full swing! We have already received $5,000 from Ballard Soccer, $10,000 from Loyal Heights Community Council, and $5,000 from several local businesses. For more information, please see separate FIELD IMPROVEMENT section.

PHASE IV - MIDDLE TIER PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS: FUTURE PROJECT 2004/2005
This phase will address the "asphalt playfield" located directly behind the school building. This currently mediocre, urban playspace will undergo the same kind of public process as the other phased areas to produce a comprehensive playspace plan that will address the broad age range of the student needs (5 yrs. Through 15 yrs.) and be aesthetically pleasing. It
will also improve ADA access to what will be the "newly improved" north tier field!

Field Improvement

Sports Field Project:

Ballard needs open space. We have a unique opportunity to transform an asphalt lot and create a sports field in the heart of Ballard. We need your financial help to make this dream come true.

Where? At Salmon Bay School, a K-8 public school located at 65th Street, between 18th and 19th Ave. NW (the former James Monroe middle school building). Behind the school, at 67th St., is a 1 ½ acre asphalt schoolyard. You can help turn this virtually unused eyesore into a multi-purpose, all weather, sports field that the entire community can enjoy.

What? During the school year, the school students will use the field until 5 PM on weekdays. At all other times, the entire community will have access to the ¼ kilometer running track, 180' x 130' synthetic-turf sports field, tetherball and basketball court. The field will be a great place for soccer, Frisbee, t-ball, and coach pitch baseball, along with pick-up games by neighborhood friends.

When? With your support we hope to complete the project by September 2004.

For more information, please call Sam Star 789-3483, or Rosemary Daszkiewicz at 782-5394.