Clover Creek Commons

Every big project goes through some iterations while finding the most workable path to completion. Clover Creek Commons is getting its adjustments.

First, CCRA decided that their mission is creek stewardship and its board voted to only work on that portion of the project. That left the umbrella organization that will sign the County MOU in question.

Of course, everyone knows Marianne Lincoln is a huge proponent and is not going to let that stop the momentum. So the attention is shifting back to Blue Zones, the Garfield Street Business Association, and the Spanaway Community Association, each of which could take on a portion of the planning.

Then the cleanup project at the site on April 19 discovered the field was covered in emerging poison hemlock plants. The County was contacted and they are working on a plan to eradicate that scurge.

During the South Sound Sustainability Expo, Al Schmauder, a found member of the Clover Creek Council commented the effort to plant native plants on the site in 1993. Most of those plants have died. Only a few trees remain. He pointed to the 9 months a year the creek is dry, the 4 years we have been in a drought, and the asphalt that is still in the channel, which is not the original creek channel.

That issues may lead to a search for a grant to remove the asphalt like the Parkland Prairie has a few years ago. That project took over $220,000. It also may challenge the team to put in a watering system. But, the health department would appreciate running water on the site for hand washing, so it may well be part of what needs to happen.

These questions have led to some delay. Native plants might be held back to Fall or next Spring. The County is looking at the utilities question and eradication of the poison hemlock.

The idea is still alive but awaiting decisions to make it suitable and safe. Watch here for more developments.