After years of hosting the event within walking distance of the precinct’s 12th and Pine headquarters, the Seattle Police Foundation will bring its annual East Precinct picnic to a park in the Central District this weekend that is an example of both ongoing community investment in the area and struggles with drugs and violence.
Some organizers working to make Powell Barnett Park a safer place are happy to bring the event to MLK Jr. Way. John Barber, a member of the Seattle Parks board, posted this invite via Facebook:
You are invited to a community picnic with the Seattle Police and the neighborhood surrounding Powell Barnett Park next Saturday, July 16, 1pm to 4pm, at Powell Barnett Park, MLK JR Way, between E Yesler and E Cherry. This is a community policing/fun activity — music, hot dogs and ice cream, entertainment and door prizes. The area has been beset by driveby shootings and gang activities for years and our strategy has been repopulating the park to create a more positive environment.
The recipient of an extensive makeover in 2006 powered by money from Starbucks, Powell Barnett is a great place to play and continues to receive upgrades like the recent “fitness zone” installation and a community crosswalk. It has also been plagued by outbreaks of street violence including this Labor Day shooting last year.
Saturday’s picnic will also come amid reports of anti-black attacks in the neighborhood and with heightened tensions over policing and the black community following more deadly shootings of black men by police and the deadly attack on police officers in Dallas.
It’s a serious backdrop to free hot dogs and a chance to meet the officers patrolling the neighborhood’s streets. There are also some positive developments to help boost the mood.
In the East Precinct itself, commander Capt. Paul McDonagh has provided a period of stability in a role that sees frequent turnover with 11 different leaders over the previous 15 years. And, depending on your feelings about the FBI and the ATF, there is increased attention — and investment — from the federal government to stamp out street crime in the Central District. Seattle, meanwhile, is in the midst of ongoing attempts to reform its police force as a new labor contract with the department’s Seattle Police Office Guild’s 1,250 members is being finalized.
Saturday, the focus will be on the free food and music and would should be a nice day in a great park.
