Hiawatha Play Area Relocation and Renovation
Updated: March 4, 2024
Early 2024
In 2022, Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) approved a construction permit for the Hiawatha Play Area Renovation, and the Landmarks Preservation Board issued a Certificate of Approval. The design team was finalizing the construction documents to advertise the bid for construction in winter 2023.
During contracting review prior to bid advertisement, SPU identified that the permit issued by SDCI did not comply with the 2021 Stormwater Code, and the permit needs to be amended. When the Stormwater Code was updated in 2021, there was a change to the flow control standards for listed creek basins. Hiawatha Play field is located within the Schmitz Creek drainage basin, and the scale of the project triggers a detention requirement to comply with changed flow control standards. Unfortunately, this updated detention requirement was overlooked during permit review. The existing on-site stormwater management plan must be redesigned to incorporate a detention system, plus a new drain line connection to the storm mainline located in SW Lander St.
The design team is currently revising the plan set to apply for a permit amendment. When the permit revision is approved, the project will be advertised for construction.
The schedule is subject to change depending on how long the permit review takes. This webpage will be updated with any changes to the schedule.
To review the design see the Hiawatha Play Area Design & Elements PDF document 
Seattle Parks and Recreation is improving the play area at Hiawatha Playfield. The project will remove the play area from the north end of the park and provide a new play area just south of the wading pool. The project will provide new play equipment, park amenities and landscaping. The new play area site and features will provide improved visibility and access for all. The project includes restoring the old play area site for nature play.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the design process. Please see meeting notes and survey results below.
Location
Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave SW, 98116
Budget
The 2013 King County Parks Levy provides $800,000 in funding for this project.
Schedule
Planning and Design: Fall 2019 - Summer 2022
Permit Revision: Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
Bidding: Summer 2024
Construction Start: Fall 2024
Project Description
This project relocates the play area from the north end of the park to the grass area just south of the wading pool closer to the community center. This includes providing new play equipment and improved visibility and access at the new play area and restoring the site of the old play area.
During construction the contractor will need to close the play area site. Seattle Parks and Recreation and the contractor hired for the project will work to minimize impact to the park and neighborhood.
Community Participation
Open House 10/25/2019
October post-meeting online survey results may be viewed here
Public Meeting 2/27/2020