Took the family up to Newhalem this past weekend to check out Ladder Creek Falls behind the Gorge Powerhouse. No only is the night time light show turned off for repair, but the whole trail system with all of the little ponds are in a total state of disrepair. Very disapointing to say the least. I imagine Mayor McSchwinn stole the maintenance fund for bike lanes in downtown Seattle.

Martymoose,

Your conclusion is based on what, besides overly imaginative speculation? If you're really interested you could contact Seattle City Light and ask why Ladder Creek isn't being maintained and get an answer that is founded in truth instead of your negative guessing game. But maybe what you really wanted to do is just bitch and make up a way to blame it on the Mayor. Let me join the guessing. I guess that the Mayor has never heard of Ladder Creek, never been there, and has no idea that it is a remote City park property that has been maintained and operated for decades. Which of our guesses do you think is closer to reality?

Sg

Owned!

lol

Don't be messin with Salmo's bike lanes .. .. ..

Now that's "owned!"

You're right I was blowing off steam, didn't mean to get your bike shorts in a twist.

Yeah, you're probably right. There is some work going on up there, but the sign indicated it was for lighting. Like I stated before, the trails and little ponds are in a terrible condition.

I wanted to share a bit of nostalgia with my rugrats...my Dad used to take us up there when I was a kid.

For the record, I have contacted Seattle City Light, just waiting on a reply.

I am man enough to say when I am wrong, and I was wrong during my initial post. The Gardens at Ladder Creek are undergoing a five year restoration. Here is the response I received from City Light:

"Thank you for your question. Although your message was a bit truncated, I think our update will provide the information your are looking for. If we have missed something, please let us know.



We are in the second phase of a multiyear program to rehabilitate the gardens. This year has been focused on overall design and improving the lighting system. Your idea for a sign at both entrances explaining this work is a good idea.



For your information, We are currently developing a plan that will identify the scope and cost for the following:

· invasive weed control

· pool repairs

· tree removal

· guard/hand rail improvements

· bridge/trail repairs

· new plantings



We plan to have all these repairs completed over the next five years. Your sentiments have been echoed by others and City Light agrees.



Thanks for taking time to ask us a question."

Salmo....what's with the Barney Frankness towards McSchwinn?

RVW,

I'm having to guess here as my pop culture IQ isn't on top of it all. Barney Frank was a TV cop? And all I know about the Seattle Mayor is that he seems to be a bit of a dork. However I am better acquainted with Seattle City Light because they are in the hydropower business, which I'm linked to, and I've been to Ladder Creek and know a bit about the history of it and J.D. Ross who was kind of a visionary engineer who had the bright idea to build dams on the upper Skagit and send the electricity to Seattle. He also built parks there, and at one point imported exotic plants and animals to an island in Diablo reservoir. That last part didn't work out, even though they moved the plants into green houses for the winter.

I was just curious what Martymoose's angle was. I'm still skeptical that the Seattle Mayor has any clue that Ladder Creek park exists. Hell he may not be aware of Ravenna park either, or many others not in west Seattle.

Sg

Barney Fife was a TV cop, played by Don Knotts.

Barney Frank is a Congressman from MA, I believe.

Clearly too many Barneys, and not a one of 'em has anything to do with Ladder Creek. But thanks for the pop culture refresher along with the Mass. Senator - how could anyone forget that guy, brilliant one minute, lost in space the next.

They just turned the lights back on...this makes everything right in my world.

Lights On!