Magnuson Park Play Area Renovation

Updated: March 6, 2025

Spring 2025

The design team has continued to make progress for the play area renovation and restroom replacement project. We are currently going through technical review for 60% CD and in preparation to submit for construction permit intake. We anticipate bidding and construction in late 2025.

Play Area Design

The project had to go through scope and budget reconciliation at 30% CD due to the estimated construction contract cost (CCA) at the schematic design phase exceeding the original budget amount. The updated design includes:

Folds in the preferred concept design and combined the play equipment options presented in the last public meeting
The new restroom will include 3 individual gender-neutral stalls.
Reconfigure the existing play area for a slightly reduced play area footprint with more trees and vegetation

Please view the Play Area Design here.

Damaged Restroom – The project will demo the old tower restroom with a separate demolition permit in hopes of removing it with a sooner timeline.
Splashpad – a conceptual design for a splashpad for future construction is included in the schematic design phase of this project as shown in the preferred concept plan. Mechanical room and additional stalls will be included in the future phase of the project when funding for the splashpad is available.

Location

Warren G. Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 98115

Budget

$600,000 (play area), $975,000 (gender-neutral restroom), $500,000 next Municipal Park District funding round; total $2,075,000
Source: Major Maintenance Project Fund

Schedule

Public engagement and design process: Summer - Winter 2023/2024
Design and Permitting: Spring 2024 - Summer 2025
Construction: Fall/Winter 2025 - Summer 2026

Project Description

This play area, constructed in 1999, with the support of the Junior League of Seattle, commemorated 75 years of their organization helping young women and children in Seattle.

This improvement project consists of four elements. The play area improvements, restroom construction, and demolition of a damaged restroom are fully funded. A conceptual design for a new splashpad is also part of the project.

Play Area – The existing play equipment was constructed in 1999 and as of 2023 has reached SPR's 21-year cycle for replacement. Numerous accessibility barriers have been identified along the walkways that connect the play area to the children’s garden to the north and the athletic fields to the southwest. The project calls for replacing the play area equipment and bringing the play area up to current SPR safety and accessibility standards.

Restroom –The design of a new restroom near the play area will be completed, followed by construction. A potential site was proposed to the south of the play area. As facilities were developed around the play area, such as the off-leash area (2003) and the athletic fields (2009,) citizens wanted a more centralized restroom.

Damaged Restroom – North of the Magnuson Boat Launch a former navy radar equipment building was converted into a restroom in the 1980s and was used to store SPR Aquatics equipment. However, this building was damaged by arson fires in 2011 and 2016. This project includes funding for demolishing the damaged structure and developing a conceptual design for the reuse of the footprint as a picnic shelter.

Splashpad – a conceptual design for a splashpad for future construction is included in this project. It is considered a replacement for a wading pool located 3,000 feet to the east near the Magnuson Swim Beach.

Community Participation

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our meeting on December 12. Please watch this page for construction updates.

Public Meeting - 12/12/23

Public Meeting 8/3/2023 - Design Process Kick-Off