Seattle community centers to close briefly for meetings on last week’s shooting

All of Seattle’s community centers and recreation facilities will close Wednesday for several hours so employees can meet with Parks and Recreation department leaders and counselors about last week’s shooting at a department maintenance facility.

Carolyn Piksa, 46, is accused of shooting 65-year-old Bill Keller, director of the non-profit that manages city recreation centers Friday in north Seattle, before threatening another employee at a nearby community center. It prompted the lockdown of all city community centers.

Piksa was tracked to her home in Burien and arrested later Friday.
King County prosecutors are expected to file assault charges against her Wednesday. She is being held on $1 million bail.

Keller remains in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center.

Piksa worked as an assistant coordinator for community centers and has been a Parks and Recreation Department employee since 1986. But officials have not disclosed their relationship or a motive for the shooting.

The community center meetings, between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, will give the recreation staff time with their management team and with counselors. Affected facilities are community centers, pools, environmental learning centers and the Amy Yee Tennis Center, said spokeswoman Dewey Potter.