Hiawatha Play Area Relocation and Renovation

Summer 2024

In 2022, the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) approved a construction permit for the Hiawatha Play Area Renovation, and the Landmarks Preservation Board issued a Certificate of Approval. The design team was finalizing the construction documents to advertise the bid for construction in winter 2023.

During the contracting review before the bid advertisement, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) identified that the permit issued by SDCI did not comply with the 2021 Stormwater Code, and the permit needs to be amended. When the Stormwater Code was updated in 2021, there was a change to the flow control standards for listed creek basins. Hiawatha Playfield is located within the Schmitz Creek drainage basin, and the scale of the project triggers a detention requirement to comply with changed flow control standards. Unfortunately, this updated detention requirement was overlooked during the permit review. The existing on-site stormwater management plan must be redesigned to incorporate a detention system, plus a new drain line connection to the storm mainline located in SW Lander St.

The design team is currently revising the plan set to apply for a permit amendment. When the permit revision is approved, the project will be advertised for construction.

The schedule is subject to change depending on how long the permit review takes. This webpage will be updated with any changes to the schedule.

To review the design see the Hiawatha Play Area Design & Elements PDF document

Seattle Parks and Recreation is improving the play area at Hiawatha Playfield. The project will remove the play area from the north end of the park and provide a new play area just south of the wading pool. The project will provide new play equipment, park amenities and landscaping. The new play area site and features will provide improved visibility and access for all. The project includes restoring the old play area site for nature play.