Update, Feb. 17: Learn more about the South Park Community Center project at an online open house from 4-5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24. Register here.
South Park is a unique area of Seattle, with its Duwamish River access and tribal history but also a background of environmental damage.
It is growing in popularity with Seattle families, and Seattle Parks & Recreation is responding by creating new open spaces and improving upon exisiting ones.
Here’s an update on several interesting projects in various stages of development. There are links to learn more and addresses to check out these fascinating and fun sites.
Duwamish Waterway Park, 7900 10th Ave. S., is being renovated with an eye toward a summer opening. It will have open space for recreation and festivals, a play area, picnic facilities, a perimeter pathway with interpretive artwork boulders, plus with river access for launching small boats.
Marra-Desimone Park, 9026 Fourth Ave. S., is unique in that is has a community farm and P-Patch. It is in the process of becoming an accessible, attractive, multi-use facility incorporating principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles. The renovated park will include accessible pathways and walking loops, a central open green area, benches and picnic tables. Future plans include a new play area, farm improvements and gathering spaces.
South Park Community Center, 8319 Eighth Ave. S., is being redeveloped to include a spraypark, play area, picnic area, lawn, sport court and off-leash dog area. In addition, the building is due for many improvements including roof replacement, replacement of the multi-purpose room flooring and upgrades throughout.
The future South Park Plaza project is located along the South Park River Walk, 8456 Dallas Ave. S. Just shy of an acre, this site will eventually include an open lawn, event space, play elements, accessible pathways and more. Designs are being finalized, and work is set for 2022.
More outdoor fun:
6 of Seattle’s best small playgrounds
New, all-abilities play area opens in Kirkland’s Juanita Beach Park
Kid-friendly outdoor dining options near interesting walks