If you're visiting, check out these spots:

• Licton Springs Park, North 97th Street and Ashworth Avenue North. The playground with the hopscotch path is on the east side. And check out the historic marker at the north end of the springs.

• Pillings Pond, just off the 1600 block of North 90th Street. This ornithological wonder was created by Charles Pilling. Though tucked behind a rusting wire fence, the pond remains in full view of passers-by.

• North Seattle Community College Wildlife and Wetlands Preserve, just east across College Way North from the police precinct headquarters and north of the college, which is at 9600 College Way North. The preserve is marked by a small, easy-to-miss sign.

• NSCC's School of Culinary Arts at the college. Lunch in the North Star dining room Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Fourth Annual Bash Brothers Yard Party, at Medalia's Auction, 1112 N. 98th St. The Sept. 5 party features music by the Portage Bay Big Band, which likes the scrap yard's acoustics.