South Park Community Center Stabilization and Site Redevelopment
Updated: August 22, 2024
Summer 2024
Seattle Parks and Recreation issued the Notice to Proceed to Neeley Construction Co. for the South Park Community Center Stabilization and Site Redevelopment Project on May 28, 2024. The project is currently under construction with a planned reopening in the Spring of 2026.
South Park Community Center programs have temporarily moved to Concord International Elementary School (723 S. Concord St.)
Site Redevelopment
This project will include a spray park, play area, picnic area, lawn, extended parking, dog off-leash area, a full-size multi-sport court, and an all-season synthetic lit turf field with a circular walking trail, in partnership with Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS). This project will be concurrent with the South Park Community Center Stabilization Project which will address a number of major maintenance, accessibility, and program needs at South Park Community Center.
Seattle Parks and Recreation entered into a partnership with SAAS to provide funding for the field renovation including, fencing, lighting, and other mutually agreeable elements of the turf field and they will have use of the field on Monday through Friday during the fall and spring sports seasons in the afternoon. This is roughly 7.5% of the total time the field will be available to the community. To learn more about the project see the fact sheet.
Community Center Stabilization Work
South Park Community Center was identified in the 2016 Community Center Strategic Plan. The South Park Community Center Stabilization Project, a major building renovation, will address maintenance, accessibility, and program needs to extend the life of the facility and increase programming potential. It includes a renovation of the kitchen, front reception area, and restrooms and provides a new childcare area.
Location
South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave S, 98108
Budget
$11 million construction budget - Seattle Park District; Seattle Parks Foundation; additional grant funding
Schedule
Planning and Design: 2019 - Fall 2021
Permitting: Fall 2021 – Summer 2023
Construction: Spring 2024 - Spring 2026
Project Description
Community Center Stabilization
This project addresses several major maintenance, accessibility, and program needs at South Park Community Center. It will include a roof replacement, HVAC system upgrades, and renovation of the restrooms, kitchen and lobby spaces in addition to the addition of a gym divider and replacement of the multi-purpose room flooring.
Site Redevelopment
In 2017, SPR began collaborating with the South Park community on redevelopment, of the site, to promote a healthier and more vibrant space for all community members.
The project will include:
- A full-size multi-sport synthetic turf field with a circular walking trail and an outdoor fitness zone.
- Field lighting with new technology that minimizes glare and reduces light pollution.
- New play facilities - including playgrounds, a sports court, and a spray park - for a range of ages and abilities.
- An off-leash dog area and an expanded parking lot.
Through a partnership with SPR, SAAS will provide funding for the synthetic turf field and lighting. This collaboration will provide improved recreation space for South Park residents while allocating designated time in the afternoon during the fall and spring sports season for Seattle Academy students.
The converted field will be available for unscheduled community use during the first few years. Seattle Academy will work with SPR and local organizations to fill gaps in the community offerings and facilitate an ongoing relationship between Seattle Academy and South Park residents.
Community Participation
Open House and Input Opportunity - 8/20/2016
- Open House Poster English, Spanish, Vietnamese
- Presentation (with feedback dots)
- Notes
Community Meeting / Site-Wide Plan Review - 3/9/2018
2019 Open Houses with Input Opportunities - 3/29 and 4/19
Seattle Parks and Recreation has determined that the project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after a review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with SPR. This information is available to the public on request. The Determination of Non-Significance was issued on September 12, 2019.
Download the DNS document for additional information.
Online Open House - 2/24/2021
- Online Open House Poster in English and Spanish
- Updated Final Design Rendering Presented
- Online Open House Video
- Online Open House Meeting Notes
Online Open House - 2/24/2021
- Online Open House Poster in English and Spanish
- Updated Final Design Rendering Presented
- Online Open House Video
- Online Open House Meeting Notes
Community Update - March 2024