Early 2026
Phase 1 of the Freeway Park Improvements Project was opened for contractor bids in January 2026. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is now reviewing proposals for this phase, which includes renovating restrooms and benches throughout the park. SPR and the design team are also working with Tube Art on new wayfinding and signage. Construction is expected to begin in early spring 2026 and finish in time for FIFA events and the park’s 50th anniversary celebration later that year.
Project Elements Funded in Phase 1:
- Restroom Renovation in Upper Lawns
- Renovation of Park Benches
- New Wayfinding and Signage
Project Elements in Design for Phase 2:
- New electrical infrastructure
- New lighting at existing light poles
- Architectural lighting spot improvements (i.e.: 8th Ave Underpass)
- Landscape and site restoration at construction impacted areas
Some features in the project’s design are temporarily on hold while we work to secure additional funding. These updates were planned for the Seneca Plaza area of the park and may move forward in a future phase:
- New larger plaza
- Paving and seating elements
- Improved access to Canyon Fountain
- Planting and lawn terrace
- New buildings:
- Restroom with 2 gender-neutral stalls
- Concierge
- Storage
Project Description
The scope of the capital project work builds on the Finding Freeway Park concept plan, produced by the Freeway Park Association, and includes infrastructure upgrades, lighting, wayfinding, and a new restroom. The rough order of magnitude cost estimate to repair, restore and enhance Freeway Park is based on the Finding Freeway Park Concept Report, produced by the Freeway Park Association, which identifies areas of focus.
Our project team includes:
- Walker Macy - walkermacy.com
- 3 Square Blocks LLC
- Freeway Park Association - freewayparkassociation.org
Landmarks
In July 2022, the City of Seattle Landmarks and Preservation Board designated Freeway Park a City Landmark. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and Landmarks Preservation Board finalized the Controls and Incentives Agreement. in June 2023. View the Controls and Incentives document
Community Participation
Documents coming soon.
Panel: Randy Gragg (Executive Director, Portland Parks Foundation); Alison Hirsch (Director of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism at USC School of Architecture); Kenneth Helphand (FASLA, Professor Emeritus in Landscape Architecture, University of Oregon); Charles A. Birnbaum (FASLA, FAAR, President & CEO, The Cultural Landscape Foundation); Iain Robertson (Associate Professor and Adjunct Faculty, University of Washington, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences).
Documents coming soon.
Documents coming soon.
Documents coming soon
