Garfield Super Block - Play Area, Promenade & Restroom Renovation

Updated: November 26, 2024

Fall 2024

Feedback Requested for Play Equipment Color Scheme!

While the play area layout and equipment design has been finalized, the design team is currently seeking community feedback on possible color schemes. Please use the link below to share your thoughts! This survey will close on 1/31/2025. Thank you for participating!

The design team has completed 100% Construction Documents and the project was presented to the Seattle Design Commission for its final review, unanimously passing!  We continue to work with Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) to secure a building permit for the project. This summer and fall have were busy for the team. We continued community outreach with playfield user groups to inform new spectator seating options and layouts, and continued coordination with Seattle Public Schools (SPS). 

In addition, the park will be home to some amazing artwork via a separate capital campaign. Learn more about the new art coming to Garfield Superblock, and how you can donate here: https://www.garfieldsuperblock.org/art-at-gsb

Future Construction Impacts

We anticipate construction to last from spring 2025 to early 2026. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and the contractor hired for the project will work to minimize impacts to the community. We are committed to maintaining access to the Playfields for previously scheduled field users (Softball and Baseball Teams, Little Leagues, and Soccer Organizations). This will be included as a requirement for the contractor. During practices and competitions the spectator portion/seating will be limited or unavailable. 

Future Updates

Once SPR has a contractor on board, we will develop a phasing plan to better describe construction impacts. The closures are necessary to construct the park in a safe and swift manner. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we make great improvements to the park. 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. 

Location

Garfield Playfield Campus, 537 25th Ave 98122

Budget

The project has secured over $9.4 Million. Funding for this project has been a partnership with successful fundraising efforts from the Garfield Super Block Coalition. 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
  • $2.95 Million - Washington State Department of Commerce

Thank you to all of our funders!

Schedule

Design, Permitting & Bidding: 2023-Early 2025
Construction: Early 2025 (Funding and Permitting Contingent) 

Project Description

The community-initiated Garfield Super Block Project will enhance the Central Area’s community gathering place by providing renovations such as a new restroom building, renovated playground, addition of basketball courts to the existing tennis courts, an accessible .34-mile walking loop, a new accessible ramp to enter the site at the SE corner, along with renovations of other existing accessible routes already onsite. Other improvements include a nature play pocket, climate adaptive garden, as well as updated plantings and site lighting throughout the site. Depending on the contractor’s bids for construction the project could add a covered picnic shelter, parkour park and park furnishings. 

GSB view of park from the plaza

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

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). 

Download the DNS document for additional information. 
 

Parks and Recreation

AP Diaz, Superintendent
Mailing Address: 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
Phone: (206) 684-4075
Fax: (206) 615-1813
pks_info@seattle.gov

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