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Say YES to Access!

Over the last decade, public funding has been cut dramatically for arts, heritage, and science programming in Washington, as much as by half in some areas. Unfortunately, these cuts have a disproportionately negative impact on already-disadvantaged communities — low-income schools, communities of color and people with disabilities. As an organization that prioritizes free and open access for everyone to our hundreds of events annually, Third Place Commons is committed to access and is proud to support Prop. 1, the Access for All ballot measure.

We believe in Prop. 1 because accessibility is one of our core values. At the Commons, we’re committed to creating meaningful engagement for young people in our community, in particular, through countless performances, Kaleidoscope Learn & Play sessions, and other events throughout the year. And extensive research shows that meaningful experiences like these with arts, heritage, and science dramatically improve outcomes for young people and, in turn, help them succeed throughout life.

Prop. 1 will ensure that every student and family in King County has the opportunity to enrich and sustain their learning and lives through arts, science, and heritage experiences. At a cost of just one penny per $10 spent, Prop. 1 will provide free and reduced admission to arts, science, and heritage programs for low-income and middle class families and improve educational experiences in these areas through funding for free field trips and more. (See what Bill Nye, the Science Guy, has to say about Prop. 1.)

Your vote for Access for All is a vote to invest in our kids and communities by expanding access to the experiences that help people of all ages to thrive and make our region a vibrant place to live. Vote YES on Prop. 1 and get your ballot in by August 1!

Feel passionate about access? Volunteer today and help turnout the vote. You could make all the difference in the next 2 weeks!

And speaking of great arts experiences…

Don’t forget that there’s always something fun and free happening at Third Place Commons. Here are a few upcoming highlights:
Lake Forest Park READS explores one of the biggest events in Washington State history with Steve Olson, author of this year’s READS selection, Eruption: The Untold Story of Mount St. Helens. Co-presented by the City of LFP Library Advisory Committee, Friends of the Shoreline, Richmond Beach, and Lake Forest Park Libraries, and Third Place Books, a great month of reading will culminate on Monday, July 31st at 7pm on the Third Place Commons stage. So stop by Third Place Books or the LFP Library to pick up your copy and get reading!

Then on August 4th, it’s time for the next installment in our Sounds of the Season country, folk, and Americana music series when the Joy Mills Band takes the stage with a combo of urban country and early rock’n’roll that will keep you twirling and two-stepping all night long.


And be sure to mark your calendars for Family Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market on Sunday, August 20th when we’ll have live music, city vehicles to explore, and family-friendly activities for everyone. So save the date and stay tuned for more details soon.

Of course, the Commons will also be busy with all your other favorite activities throughout the month including live music every Friday and Saturday night, from swing and jazz to blues and soul. And events at Third Place Commons are always free and open to everyone, so check the online calendar and join the fun!