Rainier Community Center Play Area Playground Renovation
Updated: February 3, 2026
Early 2026
Based on what we heard from the community, our project team has created the preferred final design for the new play area at the Rainier Community Center! Thank you to everyone who shared their input! We couldn’t have done it without you! To learn more, view the proposed design PDF here. From this schematic design, the team prepared and developed the design through technical detailing, accessibility standards and cost evaluation. 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 team has now prepared 100% Construction Documents and is finalizing the permitting process in preparation of bidding the project in February 2026. On-site Construction is anticipated to start in Summer 2026. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress of the project on this webpage.
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. This includes the new play equipment, plaza, seating walls, picnic tables and other amenities to provide accessible seating. This project also evaluated the health of existing trees and considered renovating the plantings between the parking and play area. Seattle Parks and Recreation worked with the neighborhood to create a design that reflected 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
December 2023 Engagement Events
- Engagement Summary
- Preferred Schematic Design Slides
- Design Presentation Video
- Meeting Poster in English, Somali - Af-Soomaali; Spanish - Español; Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt
Community Participation Recap July 2023
June 2023 Engagement Events (3 dates - 3 locations)
- Round #1 Engagement Summary
- Memo Summary
- Events Informational Post Card Flyer
Translated Versions - Somali; Spanish; Vietnamese
Public Meeting - 8/23/2023
- Meeting Presentation Video
- Meeting Informational Flyer
Translated Versions - Somali; Spanish; Vietnamese - Survey Results and Meeting Feedback