Community feedback takes center stage as West Seattle park projects return to planning phase

Seattle, Washington – The Highland Park Action Coalition community meeting next week will include updated information about two park improvement projects in West Seattle that Seattle Parks & Recreation is getting ready to reintroduce to the public. According to the organization, the conference would provide locals with an early peek at suggested designs and another chance to express their opinions before plans forward.

The meeting will take place at the Delridge Branch Library conference room on Delridge Way Southwest on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. The Southwest Teen Life Center Play Area Renovation and the Westcrest Park South Restroom Renovation are still in the planning stages, and park employees will be onsite to go over plans.

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The department claims that in addition to sharing initial concepts, the presentation’s objective is to get input that will influence the projects’ finalization. In addition to listening to community needs regarding access, usability, and the overall park experience, staff will discuss the modifications under consideration and provide an explanation for them.

The replacement of a long-closed bathroom facility is the main focus at Westcrest Park South. To better serve park visitors, the proposed project will demolish the current building and construct a brand-new, completely accessible restroom. Apart from the restroom itself, the initiative also fixes a problem that has been plaguing the park for years.

Although the play equipment was relocated to a new play area on the reservoir lid in 2013, the footprint of the original south play area at Westcrest Park is still visible. Although the buildings were transferred, the original location was never completely demolished or repaired. As part of a larger rehabilitation effort, Parks officials said the planned project offers a chance to finally complete that unfinished space.

The play area at the Southwest Teen Life Center is the focus of the second project that will be explored. Plans include for updating outdated play equipment and implementing accessibility-enhancing upgrades. With a target age range of two to twelve years old, new play structures and seating are being created to suit kids of various abilities.

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Staff will go over concept ideas for the play area renovation during the meeting and describe how the suggested modifications are meant to make the space more welcoming and inclusive. The meeting is a crucial time for community input since, according to the department, it is the first significant chance for feedback on the play area in over a year.

Residents who attend the meeting will have the opportunity to speak with the project team face-to-face and ask questions. For both initiatives, Seattle Parks and Recreation has also made brief online questionnaires available for people who are unable to attend or who would like to contribute more afterward. Design and planning will proceed based in part on the responses to these questionnaires.

Regardless of whether they have ever been active in park planning, everyone in the community is welcome to take part. Parks officials underline that early input can be especially important because it can affect decisions prior to final designs. Before next Wednesday’s meeting, the department’s project pages will include more information about both projects, and the agenda for the entire HPAC meeting will likely undergo more updates.

For more information, please visit the Seattle Parks and Recreation project pages for Westcrest Park South Restroom Renovation and Southwest Teen Life Center Play Area Renovation.