RantWoman has intel from neighbors that someone has set a couple trees on fire at a very nearby park. RantWoman definitely means to go over and gawk but that has not happened yet. Nor has RantWoman gone up to survey the damage at the Bradner Gardens P-Patch, a community garden just up a hill from RantWoman. RantWoman is plenty pissed off even without going to see: RantWoman remembers visiting one time and being utterly charmed by the building that houses the restroom. RantWoman here is managing her fury over the arson by just posting the text of a recent email. Donate if you can to the fundraiser listed. RantWoman also would not mind seeing some kind of budget for what is needed over the next year or so: if city budgets are in serious trouble, what options would there be fore private fundraising? No of COURSE people should not have to do that, but...
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Subject: Letter to the Community about the Bradner Building Fire
To: Joyce Moty <jmmoty@gmail.com>
Letter to all the Friends who helped build Bradner Gardens Park, patronized our plant sales, concerts, and Halloween Costume and Cider Parties:
The Bradner building suffered a devastating fire in the early hours of August 24 that destroyed the western half of the building that housed the garden tool room, kitchenette and the insect-themed tile restroom. The restroom was memorable because it was a public restroom that was fun to see and use for so many people: mail carriers, police, delivery personnel, contractors, landscapers, families and visitors to the park.
Evidence points to arson. The accelerant of choice was plastic objects: blue tarps, plant pots, garbage cans, etc. A neighbor captured on his surveillance cameras a suspicious person emerging from the area of the building approximately 20 minutes before the fire was called in. This video was given to the Seattle Police Arson and Bomb Squad in hopes that it might help them catch the arsonist.
In spite of all the damage, the gardens are looking great and thriving thanks to the efforts of the P-Patch gardeners. Every Saturday, gardeners harvest produce to donate to the Rainier Valley Food Bank. So far, Bradner has contributed 1,133 pounds and the season is not over yet.
The gardeners and many friends are determined to rebuild. Right now, we are just waiting for the Seattle Park Department to figure out how to proceed. Given that the City of Seattle has some difficult budgetary issues ahead; it may be a while.
If you would like to contribute to the Bradner building recovery fund, you can make a tax-deductible donation to our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, GROW at this link:
Hit the DONATE button and specify “Bradner Building Recovery Fund” in the Donor Scroll.
Thank you and stay safe.
Friends of Bradner Gardens Park
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