Rainier Beach Playfield Skatepark

Updated: March 21, 2024

Spring 2024

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the design process for the future Rainier Beach Playfield Skatepark. All the public meetings were well attended, and we had good input on the online surveys. Community input is critical for this project and has been appreciated by all.

Draft Preferred Alternative

The "Roll Wit Us" project campaign, based in Rainer Beach had its first public design meeting on January 19, 2022 and the final community design meeting on July 20, 2022 to present the preferred alternative.
View meeting presentations below.

Led by Danielle Jackson from CHAMPS and Scott Shinn from Parents for Skateboards, the skateboard park incorporates features for skaters and non skaters alike. The goal of the project is to serve beginning and intermediate skaters and provide gathering space for neighbors. Other wheeled activities such as roller skating are welcomed too.

Design Development will continue in 2023 in anticipation of construction funding in 2024. The community is working on additional fundraising to continue the design process and Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is applying for state funds to support project construction. If successful, construction funding will be available in early 2024.

SPR recognizes skateboarding as a healthy popular activity. In 2007 we worked with the community on a Citywide Skatepark Plan which makes recommendations to locate and build skateparks in various parts of Seattle. Seattle has already created skateparks at Ballard Commons, Judkins Park, Jefferson Park, Virgil Flaim Park and others.

For the last four years, CHAMPS has been hosting groups of young people to discuss a skateboard park in southeast Seattle that would attract youth and provide a safe gathering place. Parents for Skateparks came along, the partnership was perfect!

The consultants are Environmental Works and Evergreen Skateparks. The organization SKATE LIKE A GIRL is a close partner.

The new skatepark at Rainier Beach Playfield will be a great addition to the Rainier Beach Community Center, local sporting activities schools, "Where's the Beach" Link2Lake Project, and the many multi-family units coming to the neighborhood.

Location

Rainier Beach Playfield, 4707 S Cloverdale Street, 98118

Budget

This project is supported by a Neighborhood Matching Fund award from the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods supported by neighborhood fundraising and labor.
Design Budget (feasibility, concept design and cost estimate): $33,564
Additional Design and Construction Budget: Funding was appropriated in the amount of $2,000,000 with the 2023-2028 CIP/budget adoption ordinance in November 2022.

Schedule

Study & Conceptual Design: Completion, Fall 2022
Design Development and Construction Documents: 2023-2024
Construction: 2025-2026

Project Description

This project includes a feasibility study, conceptual design, and cost estimate for a new skateboard park at Rainier Beach Playfield. The design will naturally integrate skateboarding into the surrounding landscape and feature a mix of street and transition-style terrain, with elements for all age groups and ability levels. It will be an important gathering place for the people of Rainer Beach and the design will reflect the neighborhood.

Community Participation

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has determined that the project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with SPR. This information is available to the public on request. The Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) was issued July 6, 2023.
Download the DNS document for additional information.

Please watch this page for more opportunities to participate in the public process.

Results of Survey #1 to Identify Community Needs and Brainstorm Design Ideas

Virtual Public Meeting #1 1/19/2022

January 19, 2022 - Meeting Presentation (identify community needs, Design Game/Brainstorm)

Virtual Public Meeting #2 4/20/2022

April 20, 2022 - Meeting Presentation (review findings, Discuss Design Alternatives)

In Person Public Meeting #3 7/20/2022

July 20, 2022 (hybrid) Meeting Presentation (present, Preferred Alternative)

Be sure to check the community websites:

For additional information and to volunteer please contact:
Danielle Jackson, CHAMPS Resource & Service Center
dajackson@champsseattle.org, (206) 518-7444
or
Scott Shinn, Parents for Skateparks
scott.shinn@parents4sk8parks.org, (206) 909-0390