Be'er Sheva Park Improvements
Updated: September 19, 2025
Fall 2025
This project is a community-led park improvement project to design and construct improvements at Be’er Sheva Park similar to other shoreline parks within Seattle Parks and Recreation’s system.
The park renovation has been broken into three phases. Phase I of the renovation is complete and included the “In-Water” work, which provided habitat enhancement for the Be’er Sheva Park shoreline. Upland work included improved waterfront access, new walkways and lighting, picnic tables, barbeques, a covered picnic pavilion, a fitness area, an outdoor cultural stage, and more.
Phase II of the Upland Renovations includes:
- Play Area Renovation - Renovate the existing play area to SPR standards, enhance accessibility, and install new equipment for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12
- Fitness Zone - Installing a fitness zone with exercise equipment and an accessible, lit walking path loop
Phase III of Upland Renovations includes:
This portion of the project was selected for funding as a result of the Parks CommUNITY Fund public nomination and voting process. Learn more about the process.
- Court Renovation - Renovation of the existing basketball court to enhance accessibility and install an all-weather basketball court shelter with lighting that can be used year-round. The renovation will include court resurfacing and replacing damaged or missing equipment.
- As budget allows, the project will improve the basketball court layout to enhance access to the Urban Farm and Wetland and create an inclusive community gathering space.
- Furnishing & Plantings - Replacement of existing furnishings and benches, picnic tables, and bike racks as needed, as well as renovation of immediate surrounding trees and planting areas and related irrigation to enhance accessibility.
- Access, Safety & Park Enhancements - As budget allows, this project may include related improvements to enhance safety, accessibility, and natural areas. These improvements may include improving visibility and creating an accessible pathway to the Urban Farm and Wetland, wayfinding signage, improvements to the upper swing set area, community art or murals, event power receptacles, comprehensive pathway lighting to provide safety, other community gathering elements throughout the park, and residual work from the current Be’er Sheva Park Upland Renovations Phase II.
Location
Be'er Sheva Park, 8650 55th Ave S, 98118
Budget
The current project budget is $2.5 million, through a public, private partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, Rainier Beach Link2Lake, and the Seattle Parks Foundation, who secured funding from a variety of public and private sources, including the Metropolitan District Funding, the State of Washington, King County and the City of Seattle.
The upcoming Phase III of the Upland Renovations has a budget of $1,125,000 from the Park Community Fund.
This community-driven project began with a $133,000 Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) grant from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, which provided funding for the initial planning and design.
Schedule
Phase I Work:
• Upland: Completed Spring 2024
• In-Water: Complete in Late 2024
Phase II Upland Work:
• Planning and Design: Spring 2024 - Late 2025
• Construction: Summer 2026
Phase III Upland Work:
• Planning and Design: Spring 2024 - Late 2025
• Construction: Summer 2026
Project Description
Upland Work: The upland work included improved waterfront access, new walkways and lighting, picnic tables, barbeques, a covered picnic pavilion, a fitness area, an outdoor cultural stage, and more! The Be’er Sheva Park Upland project was completed on January 31, 2024. Over 300 people came out to celebrate, explore the renovation, and visit with their neighbors! Learn more about the story behind the artwork in the park here.
In-Water Work: The “In-Water” work was completed in late 2024 and provides habitat enhancement for the Be’er Sheva Park shoreline.
Upland Work Phase II: The second phase of upland work includes a play area renovation and installation of a fitness zone. The existing play area will be renovated to meet SPR standards, enhance accessibility, and include new equipment for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12. A fitness zone with exercise equipment and an accessible, lit walking path loop will be installed in the park.
Upland Work Phase III: The third phase of upland work primarily includes resurfacing the basketball court and replacing any damaged or missing equipment. If the project receives additional funding through grants, it will have sufficient funds for a larger court cover, an accessible pathway to the Urban Farm and Wetland, and to repair the cultural stage shelter.
Anticipated Impact: Specific areas of the park will be closed during construction.
Community Participation
Please watch this page for future opportunities to participate in the engagement process.
Play Area Renovation Meeting #3 - 2/8/25
Play Area Renovation Meeting #2 - August 2024
Play Area Renovation Meeting #1 - June 2024
Atlantic City Boat Ramp Meeting - 5/14/24
- Translated Flyer: Amharic - አማርኛ; Traditional Chinese - 中國語文; Korean - 한국어; Somali - Af-Soomaali; Spanish - Español; Tagalog; Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt
Public Meeting #1 - 3/3/2018
Public Meeting #2 - 4/21/2018
Public Meeting #3 - 6/2/2018
Construction Launch Celebration Event - 4/1/2023
- Event Poster
- Translations of event information: Amharic; Oromo; Somali; Spanish; Tagalog; Tigrinya; Vietnamese
News Items Links
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has determined that the project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after a review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with SPR. This information is available to the public on request. The Determination of Non-Significance was issued on March 8, 2021.