Seaside breaks ground at new eco-friendly park

Seaside City Officials gathered for a ground-breaking today at Robert’s Lake.

They’re calling the new park, the Robert’s Eco-Recreation Station, and it will feature a play station for kids, and environmental learning opportunities for the community called eco-play features.

Some officials at the ground-breaking gave a first-hand look at what the park will entail.

“So these will be play equipment out of natural materials. There will also be an area, kind of where outdoor classroom setting, so groups and schools can come and talk about the ecosystem here, talk about the environment, talk about the importance of our natural water resources and how to protect them,” said Catherine Stedamn, Manager of External Affairs.

A large body of water, wildlife and plenty of open space make Robert’s Lake an ideal place for a new park.

“The water here is a natural water shed and it funnels through the bay, so I think being able to provide the community with opportunity to come and learn about the water shed, the wildlife in their community, will be beneficial to the community for years to come,” Daniel Meewis, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Seaside.

Some of the community members at the ground breaking said they’re happy the city is choosing to transform Roberts Lake.

” I come by here and I see this park going on this freeway, going to work, and I just visualize it being…a greater park and a greater area for the city of Seaside,” said WillieGray, Board member of the Park and Recreational Committee.

Seaside was one of the first three U.S. cities to be awarded the Building Better Communities Grant, which they plan to use to transform Robert’s Lake.

“So the American water charitable foundation was able to give a $150,000 grant to try and transform this area where we’re standing into a learning place, and a safe and really happy wonderful place for people in Seaside to come,” said Cathrine Stedamn, Manager of External Affairs.

Also, the park will include a fun and safe area for kids to play near the water.

“It’ll have jungle or climbing type of equipment, slides and a swing set that’s going to be utilize for kids and the safety of the kids,” said Ernest Suber, Recreational and Park Commissioner for the City of Seaside.

The project must be completed by June 30th, according to the grant’s requirement. So, this Summer the city of Seaside can look forward to having a new fun, community-friendly place to learn and hang out.