Pathways Park - Burke-Gilman Playground Renovation
Updated: April 13, 2023
Spring 2023
Pathways Park (previously known as Burke-Gilman Playground Park)
This project went out to bid in December and Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is excited to announce we will be working with Bayshore Construction on this extensive renovation! As the General Contractor, Bayshore Construction will begin mobilizing on Monday April 17th. Mobilization includes securing the site for construction access, establishing the jobsite office and preparing staging areas (locations where materials and equipment required for construction can be safely located onsite). Once this is complete, demolition will begin.
Construction activities will adhere to all SMC code (25.08C) requirements. We have heard from our immediate site neighbors that parking is a concern. The construction team is aware of this and will limit their use to SPR designated spaces (the stalls adjacent to the park’s east boundary facing the comfort station). Additionally, SPR crews will be posting signage at trails that connect to the construction area to alert visitors of the closure and to allow them a chance to detour.
We look forward to Bayshore beginning their work, however this also means that the park will be officially closed to the public starting Monday April 17th. The north portion of the site along the Burke Gilman Trail and Metropolitan Market will remain open. Construction will complete in early 2024. SPR understands the park closure is not ideal. Here are a few neighboring park sites that we hope you will consider visiting while the renovation is underway!
Bryant Neighborhood Playground Park
Laurelhurst Playfield Park
Magnuson Park
Ravenna Park
Ravenna-Eckstein Park
SUN Park
SPR has been working with the Eli’s Park Project committee and the community on an extensive renovation. Here is the Illustrative Site Plan.
As part of the renovation, the community wanted to ensure the park had a name that reflected the vision for this park, which was to create an accessible, inclusive, nature-based park space where people of all ages, abilities and identities can find play and peace.
The renovation project will be completed in early 2024 and includes improvements to the comfort station, parking, pedestrian lighting, improved storm water management, irrigation, new plantings, art elements, new play equipment, site furnishings, barbeques, bike racks and more. The upgrades are in response to community engagement efforts by Eli’s Park Project Committee which highlighted the desire for a park that is welcoming and accessible to all abilities. The approximately $4.8 million project was funded through a combination of private and public contributions.
Location
Pathways Park (Burke-Gilman Playground Park), 5201 Sand Point Way NE, 98105
Budget
Neighborhood Matching Fund, provided $43,200 for planning and $25,000 for design development. King County Parks Levy, REET I and Washington State Local Community Projects have provided $1,8820,000 for construction. As fiscal sponsor, Seattle Parks Foundation has provided $2,252,374.
As of December 2021, the project has secured over $4 million in combined public and private funding for construction. Please visit the Eli's Park Project website www.elispark.org for the most current information and to donate.
Schedule
Design: Summer 2018 - Spring 2022
Construction: Beginning Mid-April 2023
Completion: Early 2024
Project Description
The purpose of this project is to renovate the Burke-Gilman Playground Park into a nature-based park for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. An innovative collaboration between Seattle Parks and Recreation and a diverse community group will result in a beautifully renovated park where people can find play, peace, and belonging.
Using the Neighborhood Matching Fund and working with Seattle Parks and Recreation the consultant selection completed with the hiring of landscape architects at Site Workshop who are leading an inclusive design process.
The community approached Seattle Parks and Recreation in 2017 with their ideas to renovate the Burke-Gilman Playground Park to be accessible, inclusive and nature-based. In 2018, they received a Neighborhood Matching Fund award from the Department of Neighborhoods for the purpose of renovating the park at Burke-Gilman Playground Park into a space that will provide access to nature and community for our diverse community.
Community Participation
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 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 May 27, 2021.
Download the DNS document for additional information
Download the Analysis and Decision of SPR
View the SEPA Environmental Checklist document here
Public Meetings for Eli's Park Project - A community initiated project
• Informational Flier
View the Playground Site Renovation Plan
Hear from Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation
In the news!
Seattle's new inclusive park to be made in memory of boy with down syndrome - KOMO News
Family wants to renovate park in memory of special toddler - King 5 News
All are welcome and wanted on our journey to design a park for all. The more diverse our interactions, the more inclusive our world can become. To receive notifications about upcoming meetings, please join the Eli's Park Project mailing list.