Last night, Seattle Parks and Recreation announced the winners of the 2010 Annual Denny Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Stewardship at a ceremony in the Lake Union Park Armory, including two from the Rainier Valley.
“The winners are a cross-section of Seattle’s most tenacious, creative and hard-working volunteers who donate precious time and energy to improving Seattle’s parks and programs,” said the Parks Department’s press release.
The Community Stewardship Award went to the Seward Park Playground Improvement Foundation (SPPIF) – led by Maura Whalen and Betina Simmons – for its three-year-long adventure to create a stellar playground for the south-end community. SPPIF raised more than $300,000 to augment a levy-funded playground improvement project at Seward Park, dedicating hundreds of hours to bring the community together around the dream of building a new playground for its children.
“We’re proud to share this award with the 80-plus volunteers who generously gave their time, effort and resources to make this new and special playground possible,” said Simmons. “That we were able to realize this dream in this tough economic climate is testament to how meaningful Seward Park is, and to the strength and heart of our community.”
“It is something the south end can feel pride in and enjoy for many years to come,” she added. “We’re happy to see it fulfilling its purpose as a gathering place for our diverse area, and hope that it will inspire people to explore the wonders of the natural world at Seward Park and beyond. The award will be displayed at the Audubon Center. Thank you to the many wonderful and giving people who made this possible!”
The other south-end winner was Karate Sensei Paul Kurose, who won the Making a Difference Award for volunteering his time teaching karate at Rainier Beach Community Center for the past seven years. According to the Parks Department, he teaches children and adults in a firm, but generous style, and humbly demonstrates service community building and service by inspiring his students to achieve their greatest potential.
The Denny Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers to Seattle Parks and Recreation parks and programs. They are named after David T. and Louisa Denny, who donated land for the first Seattle park in 1884 (Denny Park), where Parks’ headquarters are located.
Photos/SPPIF
Other south-end nominees included:
- Paul Talbert, Friends of Seward Park
- Ms. Purple, Mentor and Me Program at the Jefferson Community Center
- John & Charlotte Shoecraft, Basketball and Track Program coaches at Van Asselt Community Center
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Thank you Maura and Betina for working so hard on this. You are amazing and the playground is wonderful. Thank you.
The new playground is impressive. Lots of cool stuff for the kids to play on and it meshes well with the natural surrounding environment. Awesome job by the designers and construction folks.
Kudos to Landscape Architects, Maggi Johnson & Brian Stark of Johnson Southerland right here in Columbia City. Both are area residents as well. They designed the playground and were incredible to work with. Go community!
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