Rainier Community Center Play Area Playground Renovation
Updated: June 15, 2026
Summer 2026
Seattle Parks and Recreation is excited to begin construction at the Rainier Community Center Play Area this summer. We are awaiting final permitting and once received will close the play area for construction expected July 2026. Pending contract execution, the contractor will mobilize on site and use some of the parking north of the play area as construction staging. We anticipate the play area will open in early 2027.
One of the big challenges has been design and budgeting “over a Landfill” (a landfill underlies all of Genesee Park including under and around the Community Center).
Location
Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave S, 98118
(Play Area is behind the Community Center)
Budget
Real Estate Excise Tax provides $1,780,000 for planning, design and construction.
The project was also awarded a $250,000 grant from King County’s Community Health program.
Schedule
Planning: Spring 2023
Design & Permitting : Winter 2024 - Spring 2026
Construction: Summer 2026
Completion: Early 2027
Project Description
This project will replace the existing play area located next to Rainier Community Center. Through engagement with the community, the play area will have new play equipment, including swings, towers with slides, a play canoe and sand play area. Seating walls, benches and picnic tables will provide space for caretakers to rest and areas for small group gatherings. This project plans to keep all existing trees and expand the plantings between the parking and play area. Seattle Parks and Recreation worked with the neighborhood to create a design that reflects the cultural aspects of the local community. All improvements will meet accessibility (including routes to the play area) and stormwater requirements.
The play area will be closed throughout construction.
Community Participation
Thank you everyone who participated in the public engagement process!
December 2023 Engagement Events
Public Meeting - 8/23/2023