Morgan Junction Park is in the process of a major transformation as work proceeds on an ambitious expansion project. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department (SPR) has been engaged in the remediation efforts on the newly acquired parcel, formerly the site of a dry cleaning business that began in August.

The first phase of the project, expected to last approximately eight weeks, has focused on removing hazardous soil from the 0.47-acre property at 6311 California Ave SW. This crucial step involves several stages:

1. Demolition of existing concrete and asphalt surfaces
2. Installation of temporary shoring
3. Excavation to a depth of 16 feet to remove soil contaminated with dry-cleaning solvents
4. Backfilling with clean soil
5. Addition of topsoil and temporary irrigation
6. Planting of grass

This remediation work is essential to ensure the safety and environmental integrity of the expanded park area.

Contractor Holt Services, Inc. installed 22 metal I-beams with planking to depths up to 18 feet and began removing an estimated 2,600 square feet of contaminated soils from the area in orange on the map below.  The hazardous soils were moved by a licensed hazardous waste transporter and sent to a Subtitle C Permitted Hazardous Waste Site for disposal. 

Following soils testing and backfilling with approved materials, the site will be re-graded in the general form of the new park.

While the soil cleanup progresses, design and permitting work for the park addition continues behind the scenes. In an exciting development, SPR is collaborating with a community partner, the Morgan Junction All Wheels Association (MJAWA), to incorporate an all-wheels skate-dot into the project. MJAWA has been working closely with Grindline Skateparks to gather community input on potential designs for this feature.

The integration of the skate-dot into the larger park expansion project demonstrates SPR's commitment to creating diverse recreational spaces that cater to various community interests. This collaboration will continue through the permitting and construction phases.

Funded by the Seattle Park District, which has allocated $1,260,000 for planning, design, and construction, this expansion project aims to provide additional open space for the high-density Morgan Junction neighborhood. The design will prioritize accessibility, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This expansion has been in the works since 2014 when Seattle Parks and Recreation purchased the property north of the existing Morgan Junction Park. As the project moves forward, SPR plans to incorporate additional park elements based on public input, further tailoring the space to community needs.

Residents eager to learn more about the Morgan Junction All Wheels Association and their involvement in the project can visit their website at https://mjawa.org/.

As this transformative project unfolds, it promises to breathe new life into Morgan Junction Park, creating an enhanced green space that will serve the community for years to come.