The long wait is finally over — Gemenskap Park has a fresh layer of green grass and is open for business.

The idea for a park along 14th Ave NW between NW 59th and NW 61st Streets was first broached 13 years ago by residents in East Ballard. It inched closer to reality when Seattle Parks and Recreation allocated $2.9 million in funding to the project about six years ago. The funding came as part of the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Acquisition Fund, which provided $24 million for new neighborhood parks in 20 locations around Seattle.

Here are aerial shots of 14th Ave, before and after the park construction:

Members of the East Ballard Community Association are thrilled it’s done, so they’re planning a party to celebrate.

“The grass in Gemenskap park went in last week and the park was transformed this weekend with kids rolling around on the hills, neighbors having picnics, dogs playing fetch and people saying hi as they strolled or rolled by!” they write.

The grand opening celebration, which they’re calling the East Ballard Fall Festival & Gemenskap Park, is on Saturday Oct. 27 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. They’re hosting a planning meeting this Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7:30pm — if you’re interested in joining, email eastballard@gmail.com and they’ll send details. They say they’re hoping for a Halloween costume parade as part of the festivities.

For an excellent photo essay of the park’s transformation, visit the Gemenskap Flickr album. Find out more about the history of the park here, and stay connected to the East Ballard Community Association here or here.

Photos courtesy Gemenskap Flickr album