Frequently Asked Questions
Who will use the new Boathouse?
The service area for the Green Lake Community Boathouse will include 600,000 residents in North Seattle. We anticipate our youth programs to grow by 20 percent and our adult programs by 8 percent. The new ADA-compliant facility will allow us to launch the first adaptive rowing program in Seattle and expand the parapaddling program. The more visible facility will be the base of our outreach to diverse populations from all backgrounds and ability levels.
For nearly 40 years, the Green Lake Small Craft Center has been the premier resource for all ages and abilities to connect with quality, low-cost public watersports. In 2017, the Green Lake Small Craft Center engaged 37,786 people, including 2,086 youth (ages 10-19) in all programs and four annual regional regattas. The public programs include youth rowing (grades 8-12), masters (adult) rowing (ages 18 and older), canoeing (ages 10 and older) and kayaking (ages 13 and older) classes, youth canoe and kayaking sprint team (ages 12-18), sprint paddling classes (ages 18 and older), paracanoe and parakayak programs, and sailing classes (children, youth, and adults). Additionally, the Green Lake Small Craft Center is home to outreach programs for underserved youth, including free boating classes that reached 580 youth in 2017.
Do you need to row, paddle or sail to access to the new Boathouse?
No. The Boathouse will invite the public in during operating hours to learn more about our programs and the long tradition of rowing, paddling, and sailing on Green Lake. There will be public multi-purpose spaces for gatherings, meetings, and special events.
Who will pay for the new Boathouse?
This is a community effort! The fundraising campaign is a collaboration between volunteer leaders from the Green Lake Rowing Advisory Council and the Seattle Canoe and Kayak Club in partnership with staff from the Associated Recreation Council and Seattle Parks and Recreation. They are partnering to raise the necessary funding from individuals, families, foundations, local businesses, and state and local government. See who has already contributed to the effort here.
Although we have met our fundraising goals for the building, we are still welcoming donations toward new docks and miscellaneous expenses such as furnishings. Consider purchasing a brick paver to be placed in the Waterfront Plaza to put your permanent mark on our new space! See our Buy-A-Brick page for more information.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes, all campaign donations are tax-deductible. The Associated Recreation Council (ARC) and Friends of Green Lake Crew are the registered community nonprofit organizations hosting the campaign donations. Check out the donation page here for more details about giving options!