Community Center Stabilization Overview
Updated: October 26, 2023
Seattle's community centers are the backbone of our recreation system. In addition to enabling health, recreation, and fitness, they serve as anchors for many of our neighborhoods and support a healthy environment and strong communities. These centers must continue to evolve as Seattle's population changes and as recreation needs and interests of residents change.
The first round of the Seattle Park District provided funding for stabilization of the community centers and Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) focused the capital investment dollars on seismic, fire-safety, and access improvements to serve the community the best and prolong the usefulness of the facilities. The types of repairs needed are typically structural, electrical, or would improve ADA access, create gender neutral restrooms, or improve air (HVAC) systems. Examples include: seismic upgrades, roofing repairs, and restroom improvements.
In Spring 2017, SPR staff toured the centers with community leaders and center staff to identify priority improvements. These "walk-throughs" together with architectural and engineering studies for each facility informed the proposed scope of improvements for these centers. As mentioned above, building life safety is the priority for this funding and we will do our best to include additional improvements.
SPR has assessed that several community centers have major maintenance needs that may over time prevent programming and access to several of our community centers. SPR has prioritized life safety building improvements as the first capital investments to be made and the best use of limited resources.
Which centers are getting stabilization repairs?
Green Lake Community Center and Evans Pool - Stabilization & Replacement
- Stabilization: Improvements include pool pump and heating replacement, electrical repairs, pool deck cleaning and sealing, gym floor leveling and refinishing and more.
- Replacement: SPR has completed the conceptual design phase and the design is on hold as we work to secure additional funding.
Hiawatha Community Center
Improvements include electrical repairs, water and sewer pipe replacements, furnace and water heater repairs, roof replacement, and more.
Jefferson Community Center - Completed
Improvements included electrical repairs, kitchen upgrades, ADA improvements, elevator installation, roof repair, and more.
- Thank you from Seattle Parks and Recreation to the community for your input on this project and your patience during the construction. Construction was completed in late May with everyone moved in and the facility reopened in mid-June 2022.
Loyal Heights Community Center
Loyal Heights Community Center Stabilization project is still in its planning phase. Loyal Heights Community Center was identified in the 2016 Community Center Strategic plan for a major maintenance project focused on extending the life of the facility and increasing programming potential. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) had a feasibility study done by Sage Architectural Alliance for the Loyal Heights Community Center in 2020 which included determination of structural, electrical, operational, and programmatic needs of the community center. Based on the study, the funding has now been approved for the renovation work within the current Park District funding cycle. The scope of work, project schedule, and an accurate budget is currently being determined via internal conversations. SPR will hire a consultant to do the planning and design work. A Request for Proposal to gather submissions from consultants is planned to be advertised in early 2024.
Magnolia Community Center
Stabilization project includes: roof repairs, structural enhancements to gym, window upgrades in multipurpose rooms, wood screen replacement, VAT abatement and floor tile replacement in hallway, restroom remodel on main floor for improved accessibility and all-gender use, push-button operators, independent fire alarm detection system and wet fire protection system, wheelchair lift between gym and lobby, new exit lighting and signals, plumbing improvements, main entrance flooring and hallway replacement, kitchen remodel for updates and improved accessibility, electrical improvements and exterior improvements.
- Currently in for permitting with anticipation of construction starting in late 2023. The facility will be closed during construction (9-12 months). We will post the construction schedule at the community center at least one month ahead of time.
Queen Anne Community Center
The next Park District cycle offers exciting improvements for Queen Anne community. Seattle Parks and Recreation puts previously planned stabilization project on hold, as new plans are made to incorporate the additional funding from the next 6 - year Park District cycle.
The renovation will focus on decarbonization/electrification of the building, infrastructure improvements, and a general ‘refreshing’ to make the building feel new again.
South Park Community Center
Improvements include ventilation, restroom remodeling, ADA improvements, roof repair, and more.
- Currently in for permitting with anticipation of construction starting in fall 2022. The facility will be closed during construction (9-12 months).
* Construction will occur at the same time as the South Park Community Center Site Redevelopment Project
What about the other centers?
While other centers may benefit from cosmetic repairs or renovation, they do not present the same level of need as the centers identified above. Our other centers are serviced by our ongoing maintenance program that provides both preventative and on-demand maintenance year-round by our facilities staff.