Volunteers needed to help build gathering place in Kirkland's 132nd Square Park

What began as an idea back in the dark, dreary, days of winter will become a new gathering place at 132nd Square Park, complete with picnic shelter, story circle, performance area, and everlasting artwork in September.

The concept and design of this gathering place has been lead by the Pomegranate Center, an Issaquah non-profit organization that has helped design and construct community gathering places for over 20 years.

Funding of the grant for this project comes from Tully's Coffee and the Pomegranate Center, but local businesses have also provided support by donating much of the materials.

Community participation has been a component of this project from concept, design and review, and now the actual build of project.

Construction dates for the project are Sept. 15-18. Volunteers are needed in various fields of construction and landscaping.

Businesses who would like to donate time, materials, food and refreshments during the build process are also needed. Needed materials include concrete, mortar, landscape fabric, roofing materials and gravel. Persons with skills in carpentry, masonry (for 18 inch dry stack wall with mortared cap), concrete, roofing, and landscaping are a few of the actual construction activities in which volunteers are still needed.

Also needed are people to help with registration, set up, clean up, and food and beverages.The project includes two covered picnic structures, picnic tables and benches, compacted gravel path, short rock wall and gathering/story circle, as well as additional benches along the new path.

Community-inspired art is an integral component in this project. All members of the community, especially those with artistic skills in various elements, are encouraged to participate so that the completed project will truly be reflective of all members of the local community.

There will also be children’s projects so that they too can be represented.

Volunteers can sign up for specific times at www.132park.org.

Donations of materials, food, beverages can also be made by visiting www.132park.org or contacting Lynda Haneman at 206-300-7090 or info@132park.org.

Tully's Coffee and Pomegranate Center are planning an on-site community celebration at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 to unveil the new Community Gathering Center in 132nd Square Park.

To honor this event, the City of Kirkland has proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 18 “Local Community Day” and encourages the community to support and assist on this project.

A video created by Tully’s Coffee about this project and others like it can be found at http://vimeo.com/27217191.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.