Major Maintenance Project Information
Victor Steinbrueck Park

Address: 2001 Western Ave.

Current Status

There were three public meetings held in spring of 2008. See notes below.

Over 40 folks attended both the first and second public meetings, held on May 1st and May 22nd, 2008 respectively, to discuss possible improvements to Victor Steinbrueck Park.

At the first meeting, folks were asked to respond to 5 basic questions. The responses below represent a portion of the input given.

At the second public meeting, folks gave their input on common threads and objectives. The group also discussed possible elements and actions we should take to realize these themes.

Approximately 30 individuals have submitted additional comments in writing, either via e-mail or snail mail. The majority of these correspondences are letters of support for a Homeless Place of Remembrance at Victor Steinbrueck Park.

The remaining letters propose art elements – sundials, native art themes, children’s play elements, or discuss concerns over public toilets, drug dealing, public drinking, noise, and general uncivil behavior.

Additional briefings and public hearings held with Seattle City Council were:

• June 23, 2008 - Parks presentation to City Council - 2:30 pm at City Hall
• July 1, 2008 - Public Hearing on the Market Levy proposal - 5:30 pm at Market Senior Center
• July 3, 2008 - Final Council Committee action on the Market Levy proposal - 2:00 pm at City Hall

Proposed Design Elements

1. Improve visual and physical access through the park.
2. Recognize and strengthen the basic spaces of the park:
1. The connection from the market to the water
2. The lawn
3. The view
4. The people
3. Create/enhance a waterfront promenade
4. Activate the space

1. Create low steps and ramp to invite one onto the lawn
2. Lower berms for better visibility
3. Remove benches from the eastern street face
4. Widen entrance area and add benches
5. Add children’s play elements at the council ring space

1. Maintain Totem poles and decorative railing
2. Widen promenade to 40 feet
3. Add double-sided benches the entire length of the park
4. Create a rhythm of design elements to encourage movement along the entire edge: use lights,
benches, decorative railing, art elements
5. Remove un-needed elements: cheek walls, monument lights, pergola and existing tables and chairs

1. More annual color – perennials, hanging baskets, planters
2. Keep the lawn
3. Plant deciduous trees with light branching canopy

1. Decorative railing on the SW corner of the park
2. New totem pole
3. Children’s play element, May Pole merry-go-round
4. Sun dial, movable chess, water feature, rock climbing wall
5. Blue herons, owls, native wildlife

1. Northwest corner
2. Along the promenade
3. Southwest corner of the lawn
4. Southwest corner of the park
5. A Progression of Elements throughout the site

1. Lower retaining walls
2. Replace with perennials
3. Replace with grass
4. H.P.R.
5. Information Kiosk

1. Pergola
2. Eastern benches
3. Lower berms
4. Fixed tables and chairs
5. Cheek walls
6. Wall lights

1. Double-sided benches with center arm rest along promenade
2. Movable tables and chairs
3. Benches along entrance area
4. Children’s play elements/areas – council ring and/or SW corner of park
5. Entry stairs and widen entrance
6. Replace low pedestrian lights
7. Artwork
1. Railing
2. Play area
3. Homeless Place of Remembrance

1. Seismic/Structural evaluation
2. Dedicated funding for security, cameras, Park Rangers
3. Explore vendor overflow from the Market into the park

Project Description

Budget: Mayor Greg Nickels has announced his proposal for a $75 million levy for infrastructure renovations at Pike Place Market. If the levy is approved by voters in November, a portion of those funds would be set aside for capital improvements to Victor Steinbrueck Park.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

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