September 13, 2011
Q: What is the plural of “woonerf?”
A: Whoa, whoa, whoa...before we get to the plural of “woonerf,” maybe we should start with what exactly a “woonerf” is and what it has to do with Seattle University. “Woonerf” is a Dutch term for a place where pedestrians and cyclists rule over automobiles, although all are part of the action. A good example, says Patrick Donohue, senior project coordinator in planning and development for Seattle Parks and Recreation, is the street activity at Pike Place and Post Alley, where there’s a mix of foot and car traffic surrounding the Pike Place Market.
So, why is this relevant to SU? Well, a “woonerf” will soon be created near the new Douglas Building. (Oh, and in case you were still interested, the plural of “woonerf” is, get this, “woonerven.”)
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