The Zen Center’s land, just North of The Harbor School, at 15816 Vashon Highway SW, is looking lush and beautiful thanks to the work of the Property committee, especially the Fitterer Family, the Steel Family, John Sweetman, Karen Hedlund, Chris Ezzell, and Koshin. There is now a large mowed grassy area and a number of freshly cleared walking trails. Please come out and enjoy this beautiful place. Walking, picnicking and ad hoc meditating are encouraged. Bring your friends and family.
As regards to our communication with King County-We were unaware that several of the things we did on the land last fall and winter required a permit. These things included: holding more than two events per year on the land, having a canvas tent on the land, tilling the clearing in preparation for grass seeding, and blackberries having been removed prior to our ownership.
We’ve settled up with the county on everything except the last two points, and are in the process of doing so now. We are asking to be granted some leniency with regard to fines and permit fees, especially since our action of planting grass on an already-cleared area has arguably increased erosion control and suitable drainage on the land.
The land is zoned ‘residential.’ Consequently, the Zen Center is only allowed to hold two events on the land per year. One such event will happen next month, on August 18, when we hold a Sunday service, a potluck and a work party on the land. See here for details.
For more information, please email property@pszc.org.
