Before 2008, the Cheasty Greenspace was a much different place than it is today. The park’s trees were being smothered by English Ivy, its open spaces were being filled in by dumping, and its dark trails regularly hosted an assortment of illicit activities. The early work of the Greenspace’s forest stewards, Mary DeJong and Andrea Ostrovsky, involved working with the Seattle Police Department to locate encampments and with volunteers to create survivor rings for hundreds of the park’s trees.
Today, the park feels safer. Sunlight, previously blocked by the dense overstory of ivy, now streams through the trees to welcome visitors who come to enjoy the Greenspace’s trails and natural beauty. This change is the result of the hard work of Cheasty’s neighbors, including Andrea and Mary – the restoration efforts devoted leaders.
The two met over their “passion for the need for safe forested parks in our urban neighborhoods within which ALL could safely enjoy and recreate.” They now host community work parties in the Greenspace on the first Saturday of every month. Volunteers, including a dedicated group from Seattle Pacific University, have cleared invasive species from over half of the site’s acreage. But they aren’t stopping at ivy removal.
Aside from the ongoing restoration at Cheasty, Mary and Andrea have a greater vision for their work. They see the Greenspace as a potential link between Beacon Hill’s Lockmore neighborhood and Columbia City. “How amazing would it be to walk in the woods to the Columbia City Light Rail Station en route to work downtown?” asks Mary. The value of adding natural areas to the morning commute is very clear. They also see Cheasty as a venue for the diverse and traditionally underserved Rainier Valley community to get outside and enjoy experiences in an urban wilderness.
The two are thankful for the support of the Green Seattle Partnership in helping them achieve their goals. Mary explained, “I am amazed that an organization exists to assist average citizens and impact change to this level.” They both encourage citizens of Seattle to “Get Involved!”
To get involved with Cheasty Greenspace, attend one of their volunteer events posted on the Green Seattle website and the Friends of Cheasty Greenspace Facebook.
Green City Partnerships 
Hey Mary and Andrea, in case you’re reading this – I just happened to be biking by Cheasty the other day, along the new light rail in view of beautiful Mt. Rainier . . . anyway I hadn’t been out there since last year on Seattle Works Day, and it looks amazing! Awesome work you guys!
Norah-thanks to you all and your dedicated hard work! It DOES look great and we’re eager to hear back mid-October if we are recipients of the DON grant to get even more movement with our vision. Next time you are biking in the ‘hood, stop by! -Mary
Is there a way to make the volunteer work a lot more public? I live just a few feet off of Cheasty. I never hear about the volunteer work schedule.
By the way Thanks for doing it.
Richard Wilson
Richard,
We hope that by doing initial work along major streets that people will see the work and it will spark an interest to get involved. I know that at the Mountain View site of Cheasty they have some signs up along the roads (they are small, so might require a walk by) that give details about their “work parties.” Also, you can always find event by location on the Green Seattle Partnership website: greenseattle.org. Look for a rather large Green Seattle banner to make it’s way to the greenspace very soon.