Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is shining bright as we share our 2024 Annual Report, spotlighting the achievements that reinforce our commitment to fostering healthy people, a thriving environment, and vibrant community. This report highlights how our initiatives and investments are making a meaningful difference across Seattle.
Major Milestones of 2024
SPR made tremendous progress in 2024, the second year of the 2023–2028 Park District financial plan, known as “Cycle 2.” This phase brought increased funding to parks and recreation services through additional Park District dollars, which were added to a base budget supported by various funding sources. With these combined resources, we established performance goals and service levels tailored to Cycle 2, ensuring thoughtful stewardship and effective operation of Seattle’s park system.
Here are some of the year’s most impactful accomplishments:
Health and Wellness Initiatives
- Swim Seattle provided 1,825 free swim lessons to scholarship-qualified youth, addressing racial disparities in water safety skills.
- Recreation Programming reached nearly 17,000 participants through the “Rec’N the Streets” program, delivering mobile recreation to underserved areas.
- Specialized Programs supported 1,807 individuals with disabilities and their families, offering inclusive activities that foster connection and joy.
Green Infrastructure and Environmental Impact
- Native Plant Restoration: Over 66,000 native plants and 7,600 native trees were added to natural areas, enhancing urban forest restoration.
- Smart Irrigation Systems: Today, 85% of our irrigation systems across 164 parks are equipped with smart technology. These systems enhance water efficiency, minimize waste, and support plant health, even in the face of rising temperatures and drought conditions.
- Facility Decarbonization Efforts: SPR is advancing its carbon reduction goals by prioritizing heat pump installations and streamlining projects through an innovative procurement method, with multiple community centers set for completion by 2028.
Youth and Community Programs
- The Seattle Mentors Initiative paired 200+ youth with 30+ mentors, providing career guidance and emotional support. 98% of participants reported greater confidence.
- Teen Life Centers expanded their reach, engaging thousands of teens through programs like cooking classes, homework help, and leadership development workshops.
- Seattle’s Park Rangers now work citywide, focusing on public education, event support, and ensuring safe, accessible parks for everyone.
Building for the Future
- SPR’s Park CommUNITY Fund selected 15 community-driven projects to advance park equity, engaging over 2,900 people in a process focused on reducing disparities and expanding access to quality parks and open spaces.
- The redeveloped Green Lake Small Craft Center opened in 2024, offering a fully accessible, expanded facility to support rowing, paddling, and boating programs, made possible through community partnerships and diverse funding sources.
- Pathways Park, Seattle’s first universally inclusive park, opened to the public, offering accessible spaces for people of all abilities to enjoy.
The 2024 Annual Report illustrates SPR’s commitment to transforming vision into action. From inclusive programs to environmental restoration, our efforts continue to shape a greener, healthier, and happier Seattle.
#SeattleShines brighter because of its parks. Join us in celebrating and supporting the spaces and programs that connect and inspire our community!
