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Community partners update: ShoreLake Arts, Shoreline Senior Center and HangTime report growth and service changes
Summary
ShoreLake Arts, the Shoreline Senior Center and the HangTime after-school program updated council on expanded programming, increased attendance and operational changes; ShoreLake Arts said it is out of debt and will not request additional city funding this budget cycle, Shoreline Senior Center described separation from Sound Generations and temporary limits on grant eligibility, and HangTime cited transportation as the key barrier for more Lake Forest Park youth participation.
Three community partners presented updates during the July 9 Lake Forest Park City Council meeting.
ShoreLake Arts: Laura James, executive director, reported that ShoreLake Arts recorded roughly 7,000 attendees across 40 events in 2025 and has added several new events and youth-focused programs in 2026. She said the organization is now "100% out of debt" and credited previous city support and grants for stabilizing operations. James recounted new programming (a teen-band showcase, veterans art show), relocation of a gallery and a plan to expand in-school offerings; she told the council she does not plan to request additional city funding in the coming biennium.
Shoreline Senior Center: Emily Jones, director, described 60-plus weekly classes and partnerships that include Bastyr naturopathic appointments, a quarterly Fred Hutch mammogram van, a mental-health counselor pilot (funded by Shoreline) that serves low-income seniors and an expanded social-worker service that now reaches Lake Forest Park residents. Jones also explained that the senior center has separated its payroll from Sound Generations and is awaiting IRS nonprofit determination (estimated turnaround discussed in general terms), so some grant and donation opportunities will be limited until the IRS letter arrives.
HangTime: Linda Finch, Shoreline recreation and cultural services superintendent, summarized HangTime at Kellogg Middle School: registration has grown from about 30 to 40 students, average daily attendance is 30–35, and roughly half of participants are Lake Forest Park residents. Finch highlighted youth-led activities, STEM projects and a waitlist; she said transportation is the main barrier to serving more Lake Forest Park children.
Council members asked about potential partnerships, transportation options, and the possibility of ShoreLake Arts and other partners providing more in-school programming. Staff and council encouraged continued collaboration and noted the city will review budget requests and partner needs during the upcoming biennial budget process.
