Priorities
The first design package (Schematic Design, February 2020) took a master plan approach, identifying a wide range of repair, restoration, and enhancement projects to address the park’s needs—including some ambitious and transformative proposals. With input from the public, the Project Advisory Committee, and the Seattle Design Commission, we have established the following priorities that we aim to accomplish within the $6 million construction budget:
- New lighting throughout the park.
- Directional or informational signage throughout the park.
- Drainage and irrigation repairs throughout the park.
- Planting improvements in some areas.
- Accessibility improvements in some areas.
- Improvements at four park entrances: Pigott Corridor (9th Avenue), 8th Avenue, Hubbell Place & Seneca Street, and 6th Avenue & Seneca Street.
- Visually open and accessible entrances, expanded lawns, and improvements that support play at the Upper Lawns area.
- Restrooms, play-safe fountains, and improvements to support increased programming and services in Seneca Plaza.
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A map of park areas. Improvements will be prioritized on Seattle Parks & Recreation property, which is shown in black. Areas identified in blue are owned by others and will have more limited improvements.
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Neighborhood connections and park entrances. The entrances marked with large black dots are priority areas for improvements.
Example of areas needing repair within Freeway Park
Proposed work includes repairing original park features, and removing added features that detract from the design.
Flooding due to aging drainage and irrigation.
Temporary toilets are unappealing and unsustainable.
Temporary storage sheds are unappealing and unsustainable.
Original park benches are rotting.