FOLLOWUP: Renovated E.C. Hughes Playground now officially open

(WSB photo)

Earlier this month, Seattle Parks told us the renovated E.C. Hughes Playground (2805 SW Holden) would be open by month’s end – and that’s indeed happened (as noted earlier this week by commenter Leah). Today’s announcement:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is happy to announce the new play area at E.C. Hughes Playground is open. Small areas around the play area are fenced off and will be seeded in the spring when the temperatures will allow for grass establishment.

The play area renovation project provides nature-themed play structures accessible to children of all abilities, ages 2-5 and 5-12. The play area features slides, climbing structures, new swings, a large netted merry-go-round and climbing balls. Improvements to the site also include new bike racks, relocation of the kiosk, a new accessible drinking fountain, and an accessible transfer platform for the sand pit. Through this project, safety has been improved and play area accessibility has been brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Funding for this park project is provided by the Seattle Park District. Approved by Seattle voters in 2014, the Seattle Park District provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding to Seattle Parks and Recreation for maintenance of parklands and facilities, operation of community centers and recreation programs, and development of new neighborhood parks on previously acquired sites.

The old play equipment had to be replaced because of termite damage found more than two years ago after similar damage shut down Lincoln Park South Play Area, where renovations are supposed to finally start next year.

4 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Renovated E.C. Hughes Playground now officially open"

  • WS Parent December 27, 2019 (7:10 pm)

    Wow, this is awesome, thank you!  It is so very sad and annoying, especially considering  the current child obesity epidemic, that Arbor Heights Elementary School play equipment areas and field are now always padlocked behind tall and foreboding fences.  We are all taxpayers!

    • WSB December 27, 2019 (7:18 pm)

      Well, that’s not related to this, nor is it the same branch of government. Have you brought that up with the school and/or district and/or local school board rep Leslie Harris? What did they say?

    • Leshawn Dandridge December 29, 2019 (5:50 pm)

      Inactivity is definitely one of the causes of adolescent obesity. I remember when my daughter was at the old Arbor Heights, we used to spend hours there after school, parents chatted and kids played, sorry to hear it is locked up now. I am also curious why so many things for kids are capped at 12 yrs old? Play areas, kids meals, trick-or-treating it is kind of ridiculous, like older kids need to eat larger meals and not play anymore.

  • Mj December 28, 2019 (5:57 pm)

    School playgrounds are typically open to the public during non school hours.  Regarding WS Parent comment on the obesity epidemic, it is the prevalence and marketing of junk food.  

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