Just as temperatures start to cool later this week, the season will end at the East Queen Anne wading pool on August 22. The wading pool has been open on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays this summer from noon to 7pm. You may remember that the pool survived budget cuts earlier this year, but has been operating on reduced hours.

After a lot of public backlash upon the announcement of a smoking ban in all city parks on Wednesday, February 17, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tim Gallagher yesterday decided to amend his decision, relaxing the rules that would have banned smoking in parks effective April 1, 2010.

The Board of Park Commissioners recommended this language in the Code of Conduct: “Smoking, chewing, or other tobacco use is banned within 25 feet of other park patrons and in play areas, beaches, or playgrounds.”

“Based on the input from the public that followed my initial decision,” Gallagher said, “I have decided that a gradual approach to a smoking ban is reasonable.”

This comes after the rule banning firearms in Seattle parks was tossed out last week by King County Superior Court Judge Catherine Shaffer, who said the city cannot pre-empt state law.  Our news partners at the Seattle Times reports that the city will now be required to remove the 116 metal signs in city parks that read “FIREARMS PROHIBITED.”

In response to the ruling, Mayor Mike McGinn expressed his disappointment, stating, “Cities should have the right to restrict guns in playground, pools and community centers where children are present…It’s time for the state Legislature to change that law.” Read more about the gun ban ruling here.

Congratulations to Queen Anne resident Jean Sundborg, founder of the Uptown Alliance for her nomination for a 2008 Denny Awards for volunteer service. This award is given by Seattle Parks & Recreation for exemplary volunteer service.  Jean was nominated for her work on Counterbalance Park, an Urban Oasis.

The Uptown Alliance attained the siting and acquisition of land at the corner of Queen Anne Ave. N and Roy St. for the development of a new urban park in the heart of Uptown. This park was great collaborative effort between the city and private donors.  Seen here at night, the park, with its colorfully-lit walls, is enjoyed by all.

According to the Queen Anne News, Jean Sundborg has been a long-time activist who was inspired by her mother to do the work.

“My earliest models were my mom and dad,” said Sundborg, who explained that her parents were inveterate volunteers in PTAs and churches they attended as she grew up. “I was pre-programmed.”