Rainier Community Center Play Area Playground Renovation

Updated: May 6, 2026

Spring 2026

Thank you to everyone who shared their input, our project team has created the preferred final design for the new play area at the Rainier Community Center!

Illustrated design rendering of the Rainier Community Center playfield renovation showing an outdoor play area with many children and adults using various features. The scene includes tall trees surrounding the space, a wooden climbing structure with slides and rope bridges, a wooden boat‑shaped play element, seating areas, paved walkways, and small play zones on the ground. People are scattered throughout, interacting with the equipment, sitting, walking, and exploring different parts of the playground.

One of the big challenges has been design and budgeting “over a Landfill” (a landfill underlies all of Genesee Park including under and around the Community Center).

The project is currently out to bid with a bid opening of April 15, 2026. On-site Construction is anticipated to start in Summer 2026. Please follow this page for the latest updated on this project. 

Location

Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave S, 98118
(Play Area is behind the Community Center)

Budget

Real Estate Excise Tax provides $1,780,000 for planning, design and construction.

The project was also awarded a $250,000 grant from King County’s Community Health program.

Schedule

Planning: Spring 2023 in conjunction with the Genesee Play Area
Design & Permitting : Winter 2024 - Spring 2026
Construction: Summer/ Winter 2026

Project Description

This project will replace the existing play area located next to Rainier Community Center. Through engagement with the community, the play area will have new play equipment, including swings, towers with slides, a play canoe and sand play area. Seating walls, benches and picnic tables will provide space for caretakers to rest and areas for small group gatherings. This project plans to keep all existing trees and expand the plantings between the parking and play area. Seattle Parks and Recreation worked with the neighborhood to create a design that reflects the cultural aspects of the local community. All improvements will meet accessibility (including routes to the play area) and stormwater requirements.

The play area will be closed throughout construction.

Community Participation

Thank you everyone who participated in the public engagement process!

Parks and Recreation

Michele Finnegan, Interim Superintendent
Mailing Address: 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
Phone: (206) 684-4075
Fax: (206) 615-1813
pks_info@seattle.gov

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