UPDATE: WS Contractors will mobilize on site and close the ELC parking lot on Tuesday November 1.
Seattle Parks and Recreation(SPR) awarded the construction contract for the Accessibility and ADA Improvement project at Discovery Park Environmental Learning & Visitor Center (ELC) to WS Contractors. In preparation for construction, the ELC closed Monday, October 3, 2022, and will remain closed throughout the construction. Construction completion is anticipated in June 2023.
This project corrects approximately 160 documented barriers to accessibility on the Seattle Barrier Removal Schedule. The project includes:
- Accessible parking stalls and accessible bus load and unload zone
- Accessible pathways from parking area to the visitor center, amphitheater, tennis courts, playground, entry kiosk, and trail system
- A new infiltrating bio-retention pond
- Miscellaneous interior improvements to remove ADA barriers at toilet rooms, kitchen, classrooms, etc.
During construction, the ELC parking lot will also be closed for construction access and staging area. The lower small parking area near the center will remain open for visitors’ use. If parked at this area, visitors are advised to use the sidewalk on Discovery Park Blvd. to access the trails as many trail connections around the facility will be blocked off due to extent of the construction zone. Due to the limited amount of parking available near the Visitor Center, we strongly advise all visitors to use parking at the north or south entrance parking lots, where restrooms are also available at those locations.
The tennis courts, basketball court, and play area will remain open during construction. The paved intersection near the play area will be temporarily closed during paving replacement and drainage work. A detailed schedule will be posted and visitors will use a detour route to access the play area.
SPR will work with the contractor to minimize impacts to the park and trail. During construction, SPR will provide sani-cans for public use and the beach parking pass programs will be placed on hold. Thank you in advance for your patience as we work to make this building more accessible.
For questions about the project and to view detour routes please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/discovery-park-environmental-learning-center-ada-improvements or contact Janice Liang Janice.Liang@seattle.gov or 206-507-3058.