Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed 2027–2028 budget includes funding for several park projects in northwest Seattle, including improvements at the Loyal Heights Community Center and repairs to the Discovery Park Visitor Center.
Seattle Parks and Recreation expects to break ground on major improvements to the Loyal Heights Community Center during the upcoming two-year budget period.
The Loyal Heights Community Center renovation has been in the works for about a decade and was identified as a priority in Seattle’s 2016 Community Center Strategic Plan. The $30.6 million project calls for upgrades to the aging building, new electric mechanical systems, accessibility improvements, and renovations to several interior programming spaces. Design work is expected to continue through winter 2027, with construction scheduled from summer 2027 through winter 2028.
The proposal directs $1.6 million toward repairing the Discovery Park Visitor Center, which closed after significant flooding damaged its mechanical systems in early 2025. According to Seattle Parks and Recreation, the funding would allow the repairs to move forward without affecting other projects.
In Magnolia, the proposed budget includes $570,000 to add inclusive play elements to the West Magnolia Playground renovation already underway.
However, constrained Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) revenue would affect another Magnolia project. The proposal removes $5.1 million in funding previously intended to support the conversion of the West Magnolia South Athletic Field to synthetic turf beginning in 2029.
The field project remains in the city’s six-year Capital Improvement Plan, but funding for its full $8.1 million cost still needs to be identified and prioritized. A separately funded project to replace the field’s lights would not be affected.
Citywide, the budget would nearly double scholarship funding for recreation programs by adding $400,000 annually. It would also provide $1.6 million across 2027 and 2028 to subsidize pool operations.
The proposed budget comes as Seattle Parks and Recreation faces lower-than-expected REET revenue. The department plans to reduce its 2026 spending authority by $12 million and expects approximately $25 million less in available funding across its 2027–2032 capital plan.
Seattle Parks and Recreation would also reduce 4.5 vacant positions and other expenses, producing approximately $3.5 million in savings. The proposal would continue shifting some Park District capital resources toward park and recreation operations.
The City Council will review and consider changes to the mayor’s budget proposal over the next two months. Public hearings are scheduled for Oct. 6 and Nov. 5, with final adoption expected Nov. 20.
Rendering of Loyal Heights Community Center renovation, courtesy of Seattle Parks and Recreation