Burien’s Shark Garden is asking community members to weigh in as Highline Public Schools considers changes to the campus next to the garden that could affect its future.
According to organizers, the district is considering constructing a new Cascade Middle School on the adjacent property. While organizers said they would welcome a school on the site as it was previously, they are concerned that some on the planning committee have suggested the garden would need to be removed as part of the redesign.
The Shark Garden is urging residents to complete a district survey and ask that the garden remain in the project designs. The survey is open for one week and closes March 1. Organizers said responses are limited to 150 characters.
Take The Survey Here
“We have statistics that prove that keeping the garden in place is great for students and we provide a host of excellent educational opportunities for the whole Highline School District population,” organizers said in a statement.
The Shark Garden reports it has hosted more than 40 annual events over the years, including botanical art classes, seasonal open houses and gardening workshops, often featuring local artists.
Organizers said they are working to arrange a tour of the garden for members of the school district committee and are encouraging neighbors to share the survey link with friends and family.
The Shark Garden is a community teaching garden located at 614 SW 120th Street in Burien (map below). The site hosts educational programs, botanical art classes, seasonal open houses and gardening workshops, often in partnership with local artists and volunteers. More info here: https://www.sharkgarden.org
My name is Cathy Barton. My husband And I live in Burien and have been very appreciative with all the benefits the Shark garden has provided our community with education, food produce to needy community members, sales of plant starts to buy for our gardens. Please protect this important resource and don’t allow it to be removed.
We love Shark Garden!