Volunteer Park Playground
Parks and Green Spaces Levy
Project Information

Location: 1247 15th Avenue E

Project Status

Thank you Seattle! This project is complete.
The renovated play area opened in early April 2013 with a community dedication in May. It offers musical components, climbing rocks, climbing wall, net, slides, higher swings, and a new sand box. The new play equipment meets current safety standards as well as pathway paving to provide access to the play area according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA compliant pathways connect the play area and wading pool with the restrooms and parking area to the west. The design of the new pathways is sensitive to the original Olmsted plan and mimics the historic promenade.

The existing Block ("bone") play sculpture created by Chas Smith in 1962 will remain in the renovated play area. The design also retains the shooting star paving feature and Pablo's plaque installed as part of the 1991 NMF project.

Seattle Parks awarded the construction contract to W S Contractors and gave the Notice to Proceed on October 8, 2012.

During the 2011 design process Volunteer Parks was approved as a Seattle landmark. Previously to landmark status for the Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Volunteer Park Conservatory buildings were individually landmarked.

The play area improvements were developed by Parks based on public design collaboration in spring of 2011. While the play equipment itself is not part of the Landmark designation, the site plan is also responsive review comments received by the Friends of Olmsted Parks and Seattle Landmarks Architectural Review Committee. Final Landmark review occurred in early 2012.

Project Description

This project will provide for replacement of play equipment, access improvements and other work at this existing play area.

The scope of this project brings the play area into compliance with current play area safety standards and guideline efforts of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as well as meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Community Participation

Public Meeting 6/1/11

• Meeting Agenda
• Meeting Notes
• Site Analysis
• Existing Conditions
• Presentation Images

Public Meeting 7/13/11

• Meeting Notes
• Three Design Concepts

Important Links

• Seattle Parks & Recreation
• Parks and Green Spaces Levy
• Volunteer Park

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