Jack Block Park

I read in the Seattle Times that 1,000 people a week are moving to Seattle! There must be a good reason so many want to live in this expensive, congested city. I should focus more on all the positive aspects of living here, or I'll drive myself and everyone else crazy.  No one really wants to hear endless complaining about the "good old days."

We've been in West Seattle for almost 40 years, and there are still new things to discover within a few miles of home. A friend told me recently about Jack Block Park on Elliot Bay, and I was ashamed to admit I'd never heard of it.  The park is tucked away on Alki Beach off Harbor Avenue, a waterfront street we've driven thousands of times and passed right by the park entrance.

The 15-acre park has walking paths and an observation tower with great views of Elliot Bay, the Seattle skyline and port operations at the massive Terminal 5. The park was dedicated to former Port Commissioner Jack Block in 1998.

Still, it feels close to nature, and I saw many water birds on this pleasant winter day. The shoreline looks clean, although there are signs in all languages, warning people not to eat seafood or shellfish. The area was once heavily contaminated with creosote from a wood treatment plant, and it was designated a Superfund site by the EPA in 1994.  

The park is adjacent to where the Duwamish River flows into Elliot Bay. After nearly a century of filthy industrial activity, the Duwamish River was also declared a Superfund site in 2001.  The EPA declared it one of the nation’s most toxic hazardous waste sites and cleanup will continue for many years as they dredge the contamination from the river bed. Although as John said, with the current politics impacting the EPA, he wouldn't be surprised if the government soon declared it "clean enough."

All this sounds pretty awful, but the water was sparkling clear, people were walking the beach and big dogs were swimming in icy Elliot Bay. 
 
If you come visit us in Seattle, we'll take you there after a fish and chips lunch on Alki.