Smith Cove Park Development

Updated: March 17, 2026

Spring 2026

Smith Cove Park Development Phase I construction contract was awarded to A-1 Landscaping and Construction, Inc. The Contractor mobilized on site in late September 2025, and the project is still currently under construction for installation of bioretention, drainage, site grading, and other miscellaneous improvements. We anticipate substantial completion later this year for partial reopening. The grass field will remain fenced until early summer 2027 for grass establishment.

Location

Smith Cove Park, 23rd Ave W, between the Magnolia Bridge and the Elliott Bay Marina

Budget

The total budget for the construction of Phase 1 is $3.3 million, funded by the Seattle Park District.

A grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office supported the project planning and design.

Schedule

Planning & Design: Fall 2016 - Fall/Winter 2019
Project On-Hold: 2020 - 2023 (Due to COVID-19 budget impacts)
Project Restarts: 2023-2026

Bidding & Construction (Spring 2025-2026): Advertising the project for construction is dependent on obtaining permits. Construction will begin once permits and bidding are completed. Anticipate phase 1 construction to be complete in 2026 and the grow-in period for the grass field begins.

Project Details

In 2015, the Friends of Smith Cove Park (FoSCP) received a grant from the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods to undertake the initial public outreach and conceptual design for the expansion of Smith Cove Park. The FoSCP developed a concept in 2015, with input from the Queen Anne and Magnolia communities, which organized potential uses across the site. In early 2016, SPR hired GGN as the design consultant who designed both portions of the park with great amenities.

Due to budget constraints and permitting complexity, SPR is constructing the park with a phased approach.

The phased approach will first develop the property's west parcel/playfield with the existing project budget. The east parcel/shoreline side will be developed when additional funding is identified. The Phase I/west parcel has traditionally been used by the Magnolia Youth Soccer Club. The intent is to maintain this active use and incorporate other active recreational activities such as lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, baseball, and softball.

Improvements will include:

Natural-turf playfield with an underdrain system
New off-leash dog area
Bioretention basin with native planting promoting biodiversity and supporting local habitat
Landscape features, log zones and widened accessible trails for passive recreation

View the Smith Cove Park Phase 1 Plan

Phase 1 was put on hold during the pandemic. SPR resumed the project in 2024 with the passing of the Seattle Park District Cycle 2 (2023- 2028) and updated construction documents to meet the current stormwater code for re-permitting.

The future Phase 2 renovations at Smith Cove Park will provide improvements at the east parcel/shoreline side. This parcel contains the original Smith Cove Park, a narrow portion at the south end of the site adjacent to Elliott Bay. Phase 2 will be developed around a King County facility and will include shoreline restoration, access to Elliott Bay, and other park amenities per the 2018 Smith Cove Park Vision Plan. 

Community Participation

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