Be'er Sheva Park Improvements

Location

Be'er Sheva Park, 8650 55th Ave S, 98118

Budget

This community-driven project began with a $133,0000 Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) grant from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods which provided funding for the initial planning and design. Funding for the overall improvements at Be’er Sheva Park is a public, private partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, Rainier Beach Link2Lake, and the Seattle Parks Foundation, who secured funding from a variety of public and private sources including the Metropolitan District Funding, the State of Washington, King County and the City of Seattle to reach the $2.5 million project for the Upland Work that opened in 2024.

Schedule

Design Completion: Fall 2019 (upland phase); Fall 2021 (in-water phase)
Construction: 
  •    Upland: Completed Spring 2024
  •    In-Water: Complete in Late 2024

Phase II Upland Work:

• Planning and Design: Spring 2024 – Spring 2025
• Construction: Late 2025

Project Description

Upland Work: The upland work included improved waterfront access, new walkways and lighting, picnic tables, barbeques, a covered picnic pavilion, a fitness area, an outdoor cultural stage, and more! The Be’er Sheva Park Upland project was completed on January 31, 2024. Over 300 people came out to celebrate, explore the renovation and visit with their neighbors! Learn more about the story behind the artwork in the park here.

In-Water Work: The “In-Water” work was completed in late 2024 and provides habitat enhancement for the Be’er Sheva Park shoreline.

Upland Work Phase II: The second phase of upland work includes a play area renovation and installation of a fitness zone. The existing play area will be renovated to meet SPR standards, enhance accessibility and include new equipment for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12. A fitness zone with exercise equipment and an accessible lit walking path loop will be installed in the park.

Anticipated Impact: Specific areas of the park will be closed during construction.

Community Participation

Please join us at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands, 5513 S. Cloverdale St. on Saturday, February 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is an opportunity for the community to meet the project team, review the four play area design options shaped by community feedback, and explore the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands.

Play Area Renovation Meeting #3 - 2/8/25

• Survey
• Event Flyer

Play Area Renovation Meeting #2 - August 2024

• Event Flyer
• Survey/ Engagement Results

Play Area Renovation Meeting #1 - June 2024

• Event Flyer
• Survey/ Engagement Results

Atlantic City Boat Ramp Meeting - 5/14/24

• Translated Flyer: Amharic - አማርኛ; Traditional Chinese - 中國語文; Korean - 한국어; Somali - Af-Soomaali; Spanish - Español; Tagalog; Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt

Public Meeting #1 - 3/3/2018

• Meeting Agenda
• Meeting Presentation
• Meeting Feedback

Public Meeting #2 - 4/21/2018

• Meeting Presentation 

Public Meeting #3 - 6/2/2018

• Meeting Presentation

Construction Launch Celebration Event - 4/1/2023

• Event Poster
  Translations of event information: Amharic; Oromo; Somali; Spanish; Tagalog; Tigrigna; Vietnamese

News Items Links

• Rainier Beach Link to Lake Website
• South Seattle Emerald Article

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 was issued March 8, 2021

• Download the DNS document for additional information
• Download the Analysis and Decision of SPR
  
• View the SEPA Environmental Checklist document here
• View the DRAFT Shoreline Permit Application Figures document here