Seattle Center Makes Public Fun Forest South Proposals and Review Process 6/11

Seattle Center will make public proposals submitted in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) issued to redevelop all or some portion of the 1 ½ acre Fun Forest south area. The proposals will be posted in full on June 11 at www.seattlecenter.com.

Seattle Center, a City of Seattle department, received a broad range of proposals, nine in all, for temporary, long-term use (up to 20 years) of the Fun Forest south area in keeping with the vision and mission of the department and the principles of the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan. Submissions could propose revenue generating activities as well as those that return substantial public benefits. Selection criteria include a proponent"s demonstrated ability to fund, implement and operate the proposal.

Bill Block, chair of the Seattle Center Advisory Commission, will lead a proposal review panel consisting of members of the Century 21 Committee. The panel will meet during the months of June and July and will host a meeting to obtain public input prior to making its recommendation(s) to Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams. Nellams will take the panel"s decision to Mayor Mike McGinn, who may pass it on to the Seattle City Council for consideration. Members of the panel confirmed to date include: Maria Barrientos, Trish Dziko, Tom Gerlach, Jerry Quinn Lee, Donnie Moodie, Jeff Schoenfeld and Bryce Seidl.

The Century 21 Committee was appointed in 2006 by Mayor Nickels to craft a plan to enhance and evolve Seattle Center so that it may continue to serve the needs of the community into the future. The committee held over 60 public meetings to gather public input, developed planning and design principles and worked through the City"s plan development process. Their efforts culminated in a 20-year, $570 million redevelopment plan, the Seattle Center Century 21 Master Plan, adopted by the Seattle City Council in 2008.

The Fun Forest south area, a relatively level, open space with an asphalt surface and 21,600 square-foot, concrete brick arcade building, is located to the southeast of Center House. Fun Forest Amusements, LLC has leased and operated the area for 47 years. It intends to vacate the space at the end of September 2010. For more information on the Fun Forest south RFP review process, Century 21 Master Plan and other Seattle Center activities, visit www.seattlecenter.com.

Seattle Center draws you in. Its vibrant pulse brings together people of all ages and walks of life to create thousands of extraordinary experiences that enrich millions of lives each year. Entertainment options abound - starting with nearly 500 free and affordable public activities and over 5,000 campus shows and events annually. The 74 - acre campus, with its 17 acres of open space, is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. This premier urban park exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring together our rich and varied community. The 12 million visits to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County.