Help shape the future of Freeway Park, provide input through the Freeway Park online Open House, freewaypark.infocommunity.org. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and Freeway Park Association encourage you to participate. Your input will help SPR and the design team prioritize the capital improvement projects in the park. Please visit freewaypark.infocommunity.org.
SPR has received $10 million in funding from the Washington State Convention Center Expansion Project as part of the public benefit package associated with the Convention Center expansion. The funding will repair, restore, and enhance Freeway Park. Of the $10 million, $750,000 is for activation within the park and $9,250,000 is dedicated to capital improvements which covers construction (approximately $6 million), as well as design and project management, permitting, sales tax and contingencies.
The initial scope of the capital improvements is based on the Finding Freeway Park concept plan, produced by the Freeway Park Association, and identifies infrastructure upgrades, lighting, wayfinding and possibly a new restroom. The design phase is expected to be complete with all necessary permits/approvals and construction bid documents by June 2021.
Designed by Lawrence Halprin and constructed in 1976, Freeway Park (700 Seneca St.) was the first park to ever be built over an interstate highway. The park is a respite from the city’s urban environment and is a result of community activism, forward-thinking, and Seattle’s civic process. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SPR and the Freeway Park Association would like to thank everyone who has participated in the renovation project to date. If you missed the Open House panel discussion in October 2019 you can watch it on the Seattle Channel (http://seattlechannel.org/videos?videoid=x108063).
For additional questions about the project please contact Katie Bang, Seattle Parks and Recreation, at 206-684-9286 or katie.bang@seattle.gov or visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/freeway-park-improvements.
In 2019, Freeway Park Association celebrated 25 years as community stewards of Freeway Park. To learn about all they do and to get involved please visit https://www.freewayparkassociation.org/.