Westcrest Park Drainage Improvements

Fall 2022

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is happy to announce the Westcrest Off-Leash Area (OLA) project is substantially complete. The OLA opened to the public on June 10, 2022; however, Seattle Parks and Recreation will partially close the OLA to replace existing gravel adjacent to the asphalt walkway. This work will provide a more stabilized surfacing for maintenance trucks needed to service this area.  A portion of the off-leash area will be closed to the public between 7 am, Tues., October 18 to 6 pm, Fri., October 21. The north parking lot will also be temporarily closed. Please park at the south and west parking areas. Please enter the off-leash area from the south gate entrances near the small/shy dog area. 

Thank you for your patience during completion of this project. Below are the improvements to the park:

• Improved conveyance of water run-off and reduced potential for erosion in sloped areas by installation of rock-lined/grass swales, concrete runnel, HDPE piping, and outfalls.
• Relocated water discharge points from the top of the slopes to bottom of the slopes for full dispersion in the forest.
• Constructed sediment traps to reduce transport of surfacing materials and improve water quality.
• Restricted dog and pedestrian access in sloped and drainage areas with fencing to reduce erosion, allow re-establishment of ground cover, and protect drainage infrastructures.
• Regraded major use areas by flattening and terracing to reduce runoff velocities and decrease the potential for erosion and sediment transport.
• Stabilized the dog play area surfaces with a well-draining mineral aggregate.
• Provided accessibility improvements in the north parking lot by providing accessible van parking stall and parking aisle, accessible double gates enclosure, and accessible pathway to picnic table.

While the project is substantially completed, a few areas remain fenced up for the following reasons:

• Restoration of the temporary off-leash area - Due to the construction delay in reopening the main off-leash area, we missed the window for spring hydroseeding at optimal growing conditions in this area without an existing irrigation system. The contractor will amend the soil and hydroseed this area in the fall. Fencing around this area will stay up throughout the summer and fall until newly seeded grass is established.
• Temporary fencing in off-leash area - There are two newly seeded lawn areas in the main off-leash area. We will keep the fence up for a few more weeks once the grass has established vigorous growth.

Finally, we want to thank HPAC for their partnership and the Citizens for Off Leash Areas (COLA) for their ongoing stewardship of this park. To learn more about HPAC visit https://hpacinfo.wordpress.com/ and to learn more about COLA visit https://seattlecola.org.

The off-leash area is now reopened to the public with major drainage improvements from regrading and leveling the site to slow down water runoff. Photo shown here is the new terrace area near the picnic shelter.