Dr. Jose Rizal Park Renovation

Updated: December 8, 2025

Winter 2025

Seattle Parks and Recreation is working to ensure that all parks are clean, safe and welcoming. We recognize that Dr. Jose Rizal Park has been impacted by activities not aligned with intended use. SPR is taking the following actions to improve the park:

The picnic shelter will be fenced off and removed this winter. The building is in poor condition and is a fire danger. The community has demonstrated support for the removal and/or replacement during our extensive park design process.
The restroom renovation construction is underway. We anticipate opening the two single stall restrooms by Fall of 2026. The upper portion of the park and the parking lot will remain closed to the public for the duration of the restroom renovation.
A design is underway to replace the play area, enhance seating to enjoy the view, and make the park more accessible. The removal of the shelter is also helping us to prepare for the upcoming play area renovation. SPR will be in community in early 2026 to get your final feedback on the design that was informed by your input!

In September, the Seattle Conservation Corps completed maintenance on the off-leash dog area by fixing the stairs, resurfacing the trails, and adding new benches and trash cans.

Location

Jose Rizal Park (Dr.), 1007 12th Ave S, 98144

Budget

A total of $2.8 million has been secured by Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) for planning, design and construction of both project phases. In July 2025, SPR was awarded a $1 million King County Parks Levy grant to support playground improvements.

The off-leash area maintenance is funded by a $150,000 Community Development Block grant.

SPR is actively pursuing additional funding opportunities to implement comprehensive site upgrades to the upper portions of the park.

Schedule

Phase 1: Restroom Renovation

Planning, Design, and Permitting: 2022 - 2025
Construction: Fall 2025
Completion: Summer 2026

Phase 2: Park & Playground Renovation

Planning and Community Engagement: Fall 2022 - Spring 2025
Design and Permitting: 2025 - 2027
Construction: 2027 - 2028

Project Description

The Dr. Jose Rizal Park project will renovate the public restroom, replace playground equipment, and improve accessibility. Phase One will focus on the restroom renovation, followed by Phase Two, which will upgrade the play area, further enhance accessibility, and make improvements to the upper portion of the park near 12th Avenue South.

Community Participation

Thank you to everyone who joined us in our community engagement meetings and provided feedback on the project.

Please follow this webpage for updates on construction and completion.

Public Meeting - 11/2/24

Public Meeting - 4/13/24

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has determined that the Dr. Jose Rizal Park Renovation Project does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after a 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 on August 29, 2024, under 197-11-340(2). The lead agency, Seattle Parks and Recreation, will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the date of issuance (August 29, 2024).

Download the DNS document for additional information.

Elevate Initiative 2022

Dr. Jose Rizal Park renovations are the first Seattle Park to use our Elevate Opportunity. Elevate is a Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) initiative to elevate, diversify, and widen the platform of opportunity for everyone. It aims to strengthen the connection between park design and the community it serves by rewarding vision and purpose and providing support throughout the creation of new and vital park designs.

Part 1: Statement of Interest and Shortlist

Design Opportunity Documents for Part 1: (Amharic; Chinese Traditional; English; Japanese; Korean; Spanish; Tagalog ; Vietnamese)
Timeline/Deadlines for Part 1 Submissions: Questions – October 28, 2022; Submissions – December 5, 2022; Six participants received stipends and moved on to Part 2.

Part 1 - Questions and Answers: (Amharic; Chinese Traditional; English; Japanese; Korean; Spanish; Tagalog; Vietnamese)

Appendix 2 - UW Research

Part 2: Design Brief, Interview, and Selection

Elevate: Design Opportunity for Part 1 shortlisted participants
Timeline/Deadline for Part 2 Submission: February 13, 2023.

Part 2: Questions and Answers

The Elevate initiative is complete. View the final announcement here.