Spring 2026
As of March, 2026, the project is currently in the demolition and fundraising phase. We have secured a demolition permit from King County to remove all unsafe structures at Red Barn Ranch to ensure safe programming. Additionally, we also intend to reconnect essential utilities (water, electrical), which are currently nonfunctional. Our most urgent priorities include restoring utilities and addressing safety concerns by demolishing the aging two-story bunkhouse.
Project Vision
Red Barn Ranch is dedicated to promoting positive social, physical, and emotional health outcomes for historically underserved youth in Seattle and south King County. Through nature-based programs, skill-building opportunities, and the nurturing of healthy relationships, Red Barn Ranch empowers youth to build meaningful connections with both nature and each other.
The City of Seattle is engaging with EarthCorps, Buffalo Soldiers, Parents for Student Success, King County Boys and Girls Club, Seattle Public Schools, and other non-profit partners to collaborate on reviving and renovating Red Barn Ranch. Early partnerships focused on day camps run by Buffalo Soldiers and the King County Boys and Girls Club. These camps were complimented with small scale restoration, trails and garden building work led by EarthCorps. Given the project’s location in King County near Auburn it is well situated to become a valuable community resource for the surrounding County and city of Auburn residents in addition to the city of Seattle.
Project Approach
The overall project is expected to include three phases in support of the project vision and impacts:
Early Engagement and Planning (2023-2025): The first phase focused on early stakeholder meetings around operations, programming, and funding, and growing partnerships with anchoring organizations (Seattle Parks, EarthCorps, Buffalo Soldiers, and Boys and Girls Club of King County).
Building Demolition and Site Restoration (Spring 2026- Spring 2027): If pending grant funding can be secured, this phase of the project will prioritize addressing safety concerns and early site restoration work by demolishing the aging two-story bunkhouse and reconnecting essential utilities as funding allows.
Basic and Enhanced Site Improvements (Spring 2027and beyond): If funding can be secured, the third phase will focus on basic site improvements to allow for safe access for day campsand community events.
Red Barn Ranch History
The 40-acre Red Barn Ranch is in rural King County, southeast of Auburn. The site was originally developed as a youth camp and included a dormitory, swimming pool,
horseback-riding corrals, tennis courts, and other buildings in support of the youth camp. Most of the site was constructed in the 1970s. The property is roughly bisected by a drainage line and low point running north to south and ringed by second-growth woodland. Vehicular access and the majority of structures and infrastructure are located on the northwest corner of the site, adjacent to SE 340th Street and Lake Moneysmith Road. 39-acre site, developed as a recreational camp with farm space
- 1966: Elgin Baylor purchased property and advocated to develop the Red Barn Ranch to be used as a youth sports camp. Black property ownership in service for Black youth.
- 1970: City purchased Property with RCO funding
- 1971-83: SPR renovated property & operated youth camp
- 1983-1994: Site used for contracted recreation uses and education programming, with periodic site closures
- 1995-2011: Camp Berachah operated an equestrian camp
- 2011-14: Camp Berachah & Seattle Tilth incubator farm
- 2014-18: Seattle Tilth farm operations alone
- 2018-present: Site vacant
