Major Maintenance Project Information
Freeway Park Renovation

Address: 700 Seneca St; Seattle, WA 98101-2737

Current Status

The design team lead by ORB Architects for the fountain renovation and addition of pedestrian lighting to Pigott Corridor has completed construction documents and Seattle Parks and Recreation will solicit bids for this project in mid-November. Design work to renovate Freeway Park's major fountains continues and will go to bid in early 2008. Work to evaluate the area of Freeway Park south of Seneca Street for future improvements is proceeding per schedule.

The Historic Landmark Preservation Board met in November 2006 to review the status. Primarily due to issues raised by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), nomination was tabled until further discussions between the City and WSDOT can occur.

Tree Replacement
In December 2006, Seattle Parks and Recreastion completed planting 40 new trees in Freeway Park to replace the 20 trees removed earlier in 2006. The 20 large mature trees were removed to add more sunlight to the park to help increase its landscape diversity. The new trees are specimen size, but of smaller spiecies than those removed. They were selected in accordance with the draft Landscape Renovation Plan to add color and seasonal interest to the park. The 40 trees were planted per the Mayor’s Tree Replacement Policy.
This project is part of the Mayor’s initiative to improve downtown parks.

Project Description

• developing a landscape improvement plan
• working with the original park designer
• implementing improvements to Pigott Corridor
• design renovations to the major fountains

Park History
When Freeway Park was originally designed and constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, its design intent was to create a park providing promenades, views of Elliott Bay and a green space in the middle of the city. The trees have grown over the years to such an extent that their canopies now shade much of the understory shrubs and ground cover plants. The grass and lawn that still remains are challenged due to lack of light. The selective removal of these trees is part of an overall plan to make the park more inviting to everyone and to encourage its active use by children, neighbors, downtown workers, and visitors using the Convention Center and Visitors Bureau.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Freeway Park Neighborhood Association President (FPNA) - David Brewster
Email: davidb@townhallseattle.org
Phone: (206) 652-4255
Fax: (206) 652-5858

2004-2005 - Project for Public Spaces (PPS) workied with Seattle Parks and Recreation, Freeway Park Neighborhood Association and other community groups to develop strategies to activate Freeway Park. PPS developed a conceptual plan to provide a range of activities to draw members of the diverse Downtown and First Hill communities together in the park. The goal was to create a sense of community in Freeway Park that includes families, visitors, local business and neighbors, by providing activities and amenities for social interaction, while maintaining a sense of security.

Freeway Park Neighborhood Association and Seattle Parks and Recreation sponsored a series of workshops and smaller focus group meetings with the community over an 18 month time period.

Highlights of the schedule include:
10/04 Visioning Workshop #1
12/04 Activation Elements Workshop #2
01/05 Final Report Open House
07/06 Open House for Landscape Improvement Plan Meeting Notes (PDF)

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