Author Talk: The Story Of The Bellevue Downtown Park

Event Schedules

Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center-Douglas Fir Room

1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue 98005

Sep 23 2017 - Sep 23 2017

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM on Sat

Event Description

How did Bellevue’s iconic downtown park come to be? Discover the extraordinary story of the Bellevue Downtown Park, a stunning, once in a generation achievement that set the standard for Bellevue’s world class park system. Past Bellevue Parks and Community Services Director, Lee Springgate who led the department from 1978 through 1999, shares how the idea of a central downtown park in Bellevue began, and the process it took to complete it in his new book, A Miracle In Downtown Bellevue: The Story Of The Bellevue Downtown Park.

What started as a dream in 1983, blossomed into one of Bellevue’s largest public space projects, and took thirty-four years to complete. The event will include an open forum and presentation from Lee Springgate on the historical grounding of the park, what it took to make it happen, and its importance to both the city and the parks system of Bellevue. Through exceptional leadership, political courage, and a coherent vision, a beautiful urban oasis was created in the heart of downtown Bellevue for both citizens, and visitors to enjoy.

Event Schedule:
10:30am-11:00am: Welcome & Discovery- informational panels will be around the room for you to
explore, with light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
11:00am-11:30am: Presentation
11:30am-12:00pm: Open Forum

Event Location: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center-Douglas Fir Room

Copies of Lee Springgate’s book will be available for sale (cash only) at the event, and light bites and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. This event is free, and open to the public. A suggested donation of $5-$10 is warmly appreciated. Donations can be made online: https://ehcdonations.nolatepayments.com/pay/step_1 or at the event (cash only).

To ensure we have enough seating, please register for this event by emailing info@eastsideheritagecenter.org or calling 425-450-1049. For more information on Eastside Heritage Center visit: www.EastsideHeritageCenter.org.

Want a copy of the book now? It is available in paperback or for kindle on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Downtown-Bellevue-story-Park/dp/1535199512. You can support Eastside Heritage Center with your Amazon purchase by shopping through Amazon Smile.

Supported by 4Culture and in partnership with Bellevue Parks & Community Services.