Save the UpGarden!
Eight years ago, Nicole Kistler and I facilitated the design and construction of the UpGarden – the county’s first rooftop community garden. It has since blossomed into amazing community hub and ecological oasis admist a rapidly densifying neighborhood. It won an Honor Award from WASLA in 2014, and is featured in a “Innovators” museum display at MOHAI.
And now it’s future is uncertain. As part the deal to renovate the nearby Key Arena, Seattle Center has given management of the garage over to the Arena’s corporate developers, the Oakview Group, who have decided that they need the 80 parking spots under the garden. This is outrageous, considering that the Oakview group’s own study claims that there are 13,000 spots within walking distance of Seattle Center – twice the amount needed for sold out Arena events. What gives?
In this age of climate crisis, tearing down a vibrant, innovative, and beloved community garden for more parking is shameful.
Here’s a great article in the Seattle Times about what is happening:
UPDATE 1/1/20 : THE UPGARDEN IS SAVED! Check out more here: