Smith Cove Park Development

Location

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

Schedule

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

• Investigation Phase (2023-2024):  The design team has updated the construction documentation to meet the most current stormwater codes for re-permitting. Stormwater Code changes affected the calculations for On-Site Stormwater Management (OSM), resulting in an overall reduction of about 50% in the area of the required bioretention. The project team updated the stormwater calculations and adjusted to right-sizing the bioretention area for the project. A landscape management plan was also developed to achieve maximum bioretention reductions.
  The bioretention area will be planted with 100% native planting supporting wildlife. Planting in the area adjacent and immediately north of the bioretention (used to be more bioretention in the previous design) is updated to work with the new grading and stormwater conditions. The newly proposed 100% native planting includes added diversity in plant types and species, supporting a broader range of insect and bird habitats. The path loop and log zone along the north edge of this planting area are widened to provide additional places for visitors to walk, sit, interact, and enjoy the park.
• Re-permitting (2024 - Spring 2025): Update the design and submit plans to SDCI for permits.
• Bidding & Construction (Spring 2025-2026): Advertising the project for construction is dependent on obtaining permits.  Construction will begin once permits and bidding is 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 Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) hired GGN  as the design consultant. Amenities may include paths, landscaping, waterfront access points, a play area, and related improvements. Additional improvements will be made to the existing part of Smith Cove Park (west of this site), currently used for sports. The improved park will provide waterfront access and ADA accessibility, enhance active recreation opportunities, increase environmental sensitivity, and make the park inviting and usable for more people.

The phased approach will first develop the property's west parcel/playfield with the existing project budget. SPR is working to secure additional funding to build out the east parcel/shoreline side. The west parcel improvements include:

• Dog park
• Field renovation
• Lawn areas
• Trails for Passive Recreation

Additionally, the project could include a restroom, improved beach access, playfield improvements to drainage and irrigation, walking and biking trails, sand volleyball courts, dog-off-leash-area, and other passive and active opportunities for all. 

The parcel located to the west of 23rd Ave W 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. During the public process led by the FoSCP in 2015, beach volleyball was highlighted as a potential active use on this parcel. Current improvements may be limited to drainage and irrigation infrastructure to make the current field more playable. However, the long-term vision is that the field be improved so that it is playable year-round and available for a variety of youth and adult sports.

The easterly parcel contains the original Smith Cove Park, a narrow parcel at the south end of the site adjacent to Elliott Bay. King County owns a portion of the parcel and will operate a CSO storage tank currently in the final stages of construction. The new park will be developed around the King County facility and will include shoreline restoration, access to Elliott Bay and other traditional park amenities. 

Community Participation

Design Principles - 8/26/2016

• Design Principles

Public Meeting - 10/6/2016

• Meeting Poster
• Presentation

Public Meeting - 2/8/2017

• Meeting Poster
• Presentation
• Meeting Notes

Public Meeting - 12/5/2017

• Meeting Poster
• Presentation
• Meeting Notes

Seattle Design Commission

• 1/19/2017 Presentation to Seattle Design Commission
• 10/4/2018 Schematic Review Presentation to the Seattle Design Commission