Seattle Parks and Recreation continues to lead the way in developing and installing synthetic turf fields by investing in a state-of-the-art synthetic turf system that is safe, playable, durable, and retains less heat in the summer. Our standard is to provide a sustainable cork and sand infill over a cushioned pad system. All field projects include the removal of the old ‘worn out’ synthetic turf and addressed structural repairs to curbing, sub-subsurface and drainage.
As part of our asset management plan the synthetic turf playfields are renovated every 10 to 12 years for safety reasons. The carpet fibers of the synthetic turf fields age over time and lose their ability to hold the infill that keeps the surface soft. Many projects will also improve the accessibility to the field in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All synthetic turf fields have lighting which allows these fields to be used year-round.
Below is an update on five fields all in different phases of development:
Montlake Playfield Synthetic Turf Replacement: Together with our partners, Seattle Preparatory School, we completed this project and opened the field for play in April 2023. Field markings include football, and Unified Lacrosse. Montlake Playfield is located at 1618 E. Calhoun Street, just east of the Montlake Community Center.
Hiawatha Playfield Synthetic Turf Replacement: This field renovation began in early June and will be complete in early September. The project is a replacement in kind of the existing athletic facility. As part of the work, SPR will replace the batting cage and resurface the rubberized three lane running track. The baseball field will be modified to offer softball markings to comply with Title 9 requirements by the school district. Hiawatha Playfield is located west of the Hiawatha Community Center at 2700 California Ave. SW.
Delridge Playfields Synthetic Turf Replacement: The contractor will mobilize at Delridge on July 1 and complete both field renovations in early November. The project will also address some accessibility issues to access exterior restrooms at Delridge Community Center. These fields are located south of the Delridge Community Center at 4458 Delridge Way SW.
Magnuson Park Mickey Merriam Field #5 Synthetic Turf Replacement: Seattle Parks and Recreation is working to award the construction contract for this project. We anticipate construction will begin in late July (pending contract execution) and be substantially completed by end of September. This field is designed primarily for rugby. In addition to the synthetic turf replacement, new concrete pads will be installed under bleachers, and the existing unpaved walk path between the parking lot and the field will be paved for ADA access. The field is one of three synthetic fields at Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE.
Jefferson Park Playfield Synthetic Turf Replacement: This project will replace 153,500 sq. ft. aging synthetic turf field. We anticipate construction will begin in August (pending contract execution) and be substantially complete in October. The playfield will be closed during construction. The playfield is located at 1600 S Columbian Way.
For more information on our field renovations please visit: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/athletic-field-projects.
