THE SUQUAMISH TRIBE
 P.O. Box 498                     Suquamish, Washington 98392

Suquamish Tribe invites public to review the 
Old Man House Draft Management Plan

The Suquamish Tribe invites the public to attend a community meeting to review the draft management plan for Old Man House Park. The workshop will take place on November 13th at 7 p.m. at the Suquamish Tribal Center, 15838 Sandy Hook Road, off of State Route 305 near the Agate Pass Bridge. The draft management plan is available online at www.soneighbors.org.

The Suquamish Tribe is in discussion with the state of Washington about returning the site of Old Man House Park property to the tribe. This land is a small part of what was once the site of a large cedar longhouse, home of Chief Sealth (Chief Seattle), and the ancient Suquamish village site of D’Suq’Wub.

The Suquamish Tribal Council has made clear that Old Man House Park should be managed in a way that will meet the needs of both the non-tribal and tribal communities. The Tribal Council has also made clear that if the state does return the land to the tribe, the park will remain a park open to the public and that there will be no alcohol, fireworks, or drugs permitted.

Together with Suquamish-Olalla Neighbors, the tribe has gathered input about additional park issues and concerns from the broader community. Over 300 surveys about the park have been completed and returned to the tribe. At a September 18th community workshop, about 90 participants gave their views on how the park should be maintained, what rules should be in effect and how they should be enforced, how to enhance the safety and security of those using the park and those living nearby, and how all who care about the park might be involved in its future.

At the November 13th community meeting, the community is invited to comment on the draft management plan.  The draft plan incorporates views and concerns received through community input as well as commitments and priorities of the Suquamish Tribe.

For further information, contact: Rob Purser, Suquamish Tribal Council treasurer, (360) 394-8436, rpurser@suquamish.nsn.us.  Rich Brooks, environmental program manager, (360) 394-8442, rbrooks@suquamish.nsn.us.