Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is excited to share updates on recent investments and upcoming program offerings in the Alki neighborhood.
As part of the Alki Elementary School project, SPR and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) partnered on a redesign of the Alki Playground and infrastructure improvements to the Alki Community Center with SPS leading community engagement and construction.
Improvements to Alki Community Center include new electrical and plumbing connections, heating and cooling equipment, fire suppression and alarm systems, new carpet and paint, and refinished hardwood floors in the adjoining elementary school gym (accessible for community use through the Joint Use Agreement between SPR and SPS).
Playground improvements include new play equipment with areas for children ages 2–5 and 5–12, as well as new plantings and accessibility improvements. A small community celebration will take place in late fall, offering an opportunity to visit the newly renovated playground, learn more about the site improvements, and enjoy treats and refreshments for kids and community members. Please check our blog for the event date and additional details as they become available.
The former roadway and parking area between the playground and school is also being transformed into a parkway for people walking and rolling, with seating, bioretention planters, trees and playful pavement striping.
The nearby outdoor basketball courts are also receiving improvements, including resurfacing, new hoops and a new bicycle traffic garden for children in partnership with Cascade Bicycle Club and SPS. SPR will also ensure the existing lighting near the basketball court is operational.
Programming Updates
Childcare at the Alki Community Center reopened on Wednesday, September 2 with the new school year. Since a 2021 budget change, Alki Community Center primarily serves as a childcare facility including Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) and School-Age Care provided in partnership with the Associated Recreation Council (ARC).
SPR is exploring opportunities to make the facility available for recreation beyond childcare. For example, this winter, SPR plans to offer youth basketball teams that will practice and play games in the elementary school gym.
Similarly, SPR is exploring opportunities to expand use of the Alki Bathhouse beyond community rentals with activities reflecting community feedback with pottery, a new meditation and mindfulness class beginning in September and plans for Tai Chi (SPR is seeking an instructor to bring this requested activity to the community).
Find current recreation offerings at Alki Community Center, Alki Bathhouse, and Alki Pottery Studio here. Learn more about renting Alki Bathhouse and other SPR indoor spaces here. And please follow our blog and social media for future updates.
Community members are also invited to take advantage of the broad range of programs, events and amenities for all ages at Hiawatha Community Center.
Together, these investments and expanded programming provide more opportunities for people of all ages to play, participate in activities and connect with community in Alki.