Seattle Press on Line - University Playfield will get Art Fence

University District

University Playfield will get Art Fence

Feb 14, 2002 -- When people think of the University District, the playfield is probably not what comes to mind. But the Roosevelt Neighbors' Alliance wants to change that. The group's current project is to commission an artwork fence for the University Playfield, the only large open space in the district.

Currently, the estimated cost of the fence lies at $500,000, and the RNA hopes that the artwork will become as integral a characteristic of the area as Richard Beyer's "Waiting for the Interurban" sculpture has become to the Fremont neighborhood.

At the January 29 meeting, three designs were presented as prototypes for the park's perimeter fence. At the March 26 meeting, the final design will be displayed for public approval. The concept plan for the park will also be presented, with an outlook of five to 10 years.

Currently, the University Playfield, which is nearly 100 years old, has only one piece of artwork. Beyer created "Sasquatch" to illustrate the destruction of neighborhoods to pave the way for I-5. This work earned it the affectionate moniker "gorilla park." Many local residents hope for more artistic creations, believing that more such pieces would help beautify the park and make visiting it a more unique experience.

University Playfield is located at 50th Street NE and Ninth Avenue NE. The March 26 meeting will be held at the University Branch Library, 5009 Roosevelt Way, from 7 - 9 p.m.

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