Environmental Stewardship
Resource Conservation

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WATER

Conservation programs have been implemented in building repair, project design, and wading pool operations (to name a few).
Here are some others:
Maxicom:Maxicom is a state of the art computerized irrigation system installed in 45 Parks. This system, when activated, measures how much water is needed at any given time and activates and turns off irrigation at precise times saving thousands of gallons of water per park each year.
Drought tolerant plants: Whenever practical, we use plants that require less water in the summer and reduce the need for supplemental irrigation. These include use of plants native to the northwest and other parts of the world with Mediterranean climates(wet in winter, dry in summer).
For more info - contact:
Barb Decaro | (206)615-1660 barb.decaro@seattle.gov

FUEL

Hybrid Parks' vehicles - the Green Fleet Strategy

Green Fleet Strategy:
Parks is a leader in early implementation of the Mayor's new vehicle procurement and use plan that will increase the number of Alternatively Fueled Vehicles, increase fuel efficiency, increase use of cleaner fuels, and reduce tailpipe emissions.
For more info - contact:
August Drake-Erickson | (206)615-1721
august.drake-ericson@seattle.gov

Idle Reduction:
Following our "Mind Your Idle" program, Park staff and volunteers support cleaner air by always turning their engines off when they are not needed.
For more info - contact:
Dawn Blanch | (206) 733-9703
dawn.blanch@seattle.gov

RECYCLING

Look for blue recycling bins like this one in southeast and West Seattle parks

From providing opportunities for park users to recycle cans and bottles, recycling paper, plastic and glass in our facilities, creating our own "Clean Green" mulch, and reusing pier pilings and telephone poles for parks structures, Parks models practices that reduce solid waste and encourage re-use.
Outdoor Recycling Parks is starting an outdoor recycling pilot program in its southeast and southwest parks on April 1, 2008. You'll see colorful, clearly marked bins for glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans at athletic facilities, picnic areas and beaches. Please use them! Funding provided in the 2008 budget enables Parks to create recycling pickup routes in southeast and southwest Seattle parks. We'll report back to you on our success after a year's experience.
Pack it Out This program asks park visitors to take their garbage with them to recycle or have picked up at home. It is the goal of this program that less trash will be left in our parks and inefficient and costly collection methods can be reduced.
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ENERGY

Washing Machines: All of our 10 pools now have Ecostar model washing machines which use up to 70% less electricity and 40% less water than our previous models.
Vending Mizers: All refrigerated vending machines on Parks property are installed with motion detectors that turn internal cooling systems and external lights off when not being used. This saves electricity without having any effect on the temperature of the pop.
Lighting: Our Facilities Maintenance Electrical Shop is working to reduce electrical consumption by replacing light fixtures when they are no longer working with energy efficient models.
Light Emitting Diode Exit Signs: The lamps in nearly all Parks emergency exit signs are now equipped with these new light features which use a fraction of the power traditional light "bulbs" use.