Future of Park at Bothell Landing

This is an exciting time for Parks and Recreation in Bothell.

Two months ago, we celebrated the opening of Centennial Park. Centennial Park, with its 54 acres of walking paths, wetlands and open space, is a beautiful addition to our park system. One question that has been asked by several people is, “Why isn’t there an active play area in this park?” We are fortunate as a city to have acquired this property, and the money that was available for purchasing this park requires the site be preserved as open space and limits the uses to passive. As future development occurs in the park, additional trails and boardwalks will be added. This is a wonderful park to experience the beauty of the Northwest.

Currently, we are in the middle of the process of creating a Master Plan for Park at Bothell Landing. Through the changes from the State Route 522 alignment, we have the opportunity to propose some modifications to the park and make recommendations for the use of some additional land. We have had two community meetings to gather input on what people would like to see and our next meeting is coming up at 7 p.m. July 9 at the Municipal Court building (10116 N.E. 183rd St.). At this meeting we will hear the latest proposal from the consultant and visitors will have the opportunity to make recommendations to the Park and Recreation Board. It is important that the plan we end up with reflects the views of Bothell residents, so I invite and encourage you to attend and share your views.

Finally, we have many great events planned throughout the summer. Registration for our summer programs is in full swing, and we are fortunate to have many classes for residents of all ages. In addition, we have many upcoming events including the Freedom Festival on July 3-4 and the Music in the Park Summer Concert Series, starting July 10. Be sure to check the city Web site (www.ci.bothell.wa.us) under City Services to see what else Bothell Parks and Recreation has to offer.

Again, I encourage you to attend the Park and Recreation Board meeting on July 9.

Kirstin Brauch

Park and Recreation Board chair

Judge Sotomayor has wealth of experience

We all know that there is more to life than just words on a page. Judge Sonia Sotomayor has lived a challenging life, growing up in housing projects, and making her way into the United States justice system.

She has worked hard to achieve all that she has earned, and has struggled along the way just as many of us do on a daily basis.

As a woman, I am always glad to see that she would be able to offer the perspective of someone who understands the importance of women’s health issues.

Judge Sotomayor demonstrates her support for women’s health issues as a member of an organization called Childbirth Connection, which advocates that women are offered full and honest information about their options and health at a reasonable cost.

Though her past decisions as a judge have shown that she believes in strict adherence to the text of the constitution, she has also stated that she has a “wealth of experiences, both personal and professional” that influence her opinions.

Judge Sotomayor “strive[s] never to forget the real-world consequences of my decisions on individuals, businesses and government.”

This unique perspective allows her to both preserve personal rights as they are allotted through the constitution, but also keep in touch with the effect of her decision on the average person.

She has shown that she is thorough, thoughtful and prudent in her decisions, and does not lack experience.

If she is confirmed, she will offer more experience in the federal judicial system than any other justice in the last 100 years.

Consider her has she has been described by many — consistent, fair and careful.

Anna Jensen, Kirkland