West Arboretum "Tot Lot" Play Area Renovation
Updated: January 31, 2023
Winter 2022/2023
To increase project efficiency, this project was bundled with two other play areas (Cal Anderson Park and Soundview Terrace) and put out to bid. We awarded the construction contract for all three projects to LW Sundstrom, Inc. This contractor is in high demand and currently working on completing several other Contracted Parks projects. Out of consideration of our partner Project Mangers we chose to delay issuing our Notice to Proceed to avoid constraints to this contractor's capacity to complete existing projects. We will be issuing the notice to proceed within the next 30-50 days and anticipate construction beginning at the end of first quarter or beginning of second quarter of 2023.
The current small play structure was installed in 1999 and is due for replacement. The site is often used as small gathering space for local groups, library programming, and as an entrance to the Arboretum and, of course fun play for kids. The site is very small, and we have developed three plans that will fit.
The Montlake community provided early input on the Tot lot playground replacement project by reviewing options for the play area and taking an online survey. The project design team is reviewing the input to consider what is important to you at the tot lot play area.
The new play equipment will be located within the existing enclosure. The concrete path around the play space will be repaired and existing benches will be kept.
Location
Western edge of Washington Park Arboretum at East Lynn Street & 26th Avenue East
Budget
Seattle Park District Major Maintenance Backlog and Asset Management program provides $180,000.
Schedule
Planning: Summer 2020 - Winter 2020/2021
Design: 2021 - 2022
Construction: Begins Early 2023
Project Description
This play area renovation will enhance safety and improve overall accessibility for young children of all abilities. The Montlake Community Club raised funds to build the existing play equipment. It was installed in 1999 and is due for replacement. The new play equipment will be located within the existing enclosure. The concrete path around the play space will be repaired and existing benches will be kept.
Community Participation
Thank you to everyone who offered input through the recent online survey. The project design team is reviewing the input to consider what is important to you. In the meantime you may find this article at montlake.net informative.