Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is moving forward with two major neighborhood improvement projects and is calling on the West Seattle community to help refine the designs. Residents are invited to attend a public meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Delridge Branch Library Meeting Room to provide feedback on the Westcrest Park South Restroom Renovation and the Southwest Teen Life Center (SWTLC) Play Area Renovation.

The meeting, held in conjunction with the Highland Park Action Coalition, offers a first look at early concept design options.

December 2024 Survey Results: A Vision for Play

New data from a December 2024 public survey regarding the Southwest Teen Life Center Play Area highlights clear community priorities for the upcoming renovation. With respondents representing a diverse age range—including 30% representing children ages 0-5 and 30% representing teenagers ages 13-17—the results show a desire for more adventurous and inclusive play spaces.

Key findings from the survey include:

• High Demand for Climbing and Swings: When asked about play equipment for children ages 2-12, climbing structures were the most requested (89.19%), followed closely by swings (81.08%) and slides (59.46%).

• Strong Support for Teen-Specific Features: Over 61% of respondents agreed that the play area should include recreation elements specifically for teenagers.

• Social and Active Spaces for Youth: Community members suggested that "teen zones" should prioritize social spaces for lounging and gathering, as well as active options like climbing walls, bouldering areas, and fitness equipment such as pull-up bars.

• Aesthetic and Safety Preferences: Many respondents called for a "colorful" and "inviting" environment to contrast with the nearby concrete walls, with several suggesting murals, art, and improved lighting for safety.

Modernizing Westcrest Park and Teen Life Center

The Westcrest Park South project aims to replace a currently closed restroom with a new prefabricated, ADA-compliant facility. Beyond the restroom, the project will finally address the "footprint" of the former south play area, which has remained vacant since the original equipment was moved to the reservoir lid in 2013. SPR is specifically seeking community ideas on how to restore or repurpose this old containment zone.

Budget

The total project budget is $1,351,206:

• Restroom Renovation - $823,517 from the Seattle Park District Fund 
• Play Area Restoration - $527,689 from the General Bond Interest Redemption Fund

Meanwhile, the SWTLC Play Area renovation will focus on replacing aging equipment with structures and seating designed for children of all abilities. SPR staff emphasize that these projects are intended to ensure neighborhood spaces reflect modern accessibility standards and local needs.

Budget

The King County Parks Levy provides $720,559 for the planning, design, and construction of this project.

How to Get Involved

Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting on January 28th to meet the project team and ask questions. For those unable to attend in person, short online surveys are available on the SPR project engagement pages HERE and HERE to gather additional input that will inform the final designs