Garfield Super Block - Play Area, Promenade & Restroom Renovation
Updated: July 3, 2024
Summer 2024
The project successfully completed 90% of the Construction Documents in early 2024. The design team is hard at work completing the next milestone of 100% Construction Documents and continues to work with the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) to secure a construction permit. Over the last few months, the Garfield Super Block Coalition and Seattle Parks and Recreation presented the project to the Seattle Design Commission and continued with community outreach efforts which include a presentation to the Squire Park Community Council in April and ongoing meetings with field users.
Location
Garfield Playfield Campus, 537 25th Ave 98122
Budget
As of July 2024, the project has secured over $9.4 Million in public funding for the construction of the capital improvement project. Funding Sources include:
- $2.83 Million from Seattle Parks and Recreation (REET I, II, and Metropolitan Park District Equity Fund)
- $500,000 from Seattle Public Schools 2022 Levy
- $994,000 - Various King County Grants
- $2.16 Million - RCO Federal Grants
- $3 Million - Washington State Department of Commerce
Please visit the Garfield Super Block website for the most current information and to donate!
Schedule
Design, Permitting & Bidding: 2023-2024
Construction: 2025 (Funding and Permitting Contingent)
Project Description
This community-led full renovation project will address the unfinished portion of the 2005 Garfield Super Block Master Plan: grounds improvements within the park to strengthen site use and activity, and a "Legacy and Promise Promenade" which integrates arts and amenities to reflect the cultural diversity and rich history of Seattle's Central District.
The scoped site area is bounded by East Cherry St (North), 25th Ave (East), 23rd Ave (West) and the Teen Life Center (South). The renovated park will improve access for multi-generational recreation, with new play areas for different age groups and abilities, a nature play area, an all-ages parkour facility and an accessible .34-mile loop path around the park. At the south property line, we are also collaborating with SPS to implement landscape improvements that will bridge both properties to provide a unified site plan.
Other upgrades include site lighting, an accessible ramp at the southeast to complement existing stair access, a multi-use court for tennis and basketball, and a reconfigured plaza around the comfort station (restroom building) at the northeast.
The project will also include public art installations. The artworks are collectively identified as “The Legacy and Promise Promenade”, which includes seven installations, designed to share the story of seven cultures that originally settled in the Central District. These seven cultures include Duwamish, Jewish, Black/African American, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Italian.
During construction, the contractor will need to close the park. Seattle Parks and Recreation and the contractor hired for the project will work to minimize the impact on the neighborhood.
Community Participation
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Design Project Open House on February 1! In case you were unable to attend, please watch the 60 % Design Virtual Presentation Video to learn more about the project and provide your feedback using the link below.
60% Design Open House - 2/1/24
- Share your feedback here!
- Meeting Presentation
- Event Flyer
- Event Flyer Translations in Amharic - አማርኛ; Traditional Chinese - 中國語文; Somali - Af-Soomaali; Spanish - Español; Tagalog; Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt
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 (DNS) was issued on January 8, 2024, under 197-11-340(2). The lead agency, Seattle Parks and Recreation, will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the date of issuance (January 8, 2024).