The Seattle City Council Select Budget Committee on Oct. 29 reviewed multiple budget amendments to Seattle Parks and Recreation that would add one-time appropriations and statements of legislative intent for repairs, program funding and studies.

The most prominent park items discussed included SPR 1, a one-time $250,000 appropriation to fund a contract with a community organization such as Uplift Northwest for graffiti abatement; SPR 6, a statement of legislative intent asking Parks to report on cost, timeline and funding scenarios for rebuilding Camp Long Lodge; and SPR 7, a one-time $1 million action to add maintenance and capital funds to Lake Union Park in advance of FIFA World Cup events and to improve the park’s long-term usability. Other items discussed included funding for 7 Hills Park repairs (SPR 2), BIPOC youth sports partnerships (SPR 3), skate amenities at Morgan Junction (SPR 8), restroom upgrades in District 1 (SPR 9) and multiple turf-conversion and restoration requests (SPR 12, SPR 13, SPR 14).

Council member Kettle, reading remarks from Council President Nelson, said SPR 1 would allow Uplift Northwest to expand from three graffiti-removal crews to a fourth and emphasized the nonprofit’s job-training role: “This valuable service helps small businesses, nonprofits, and other community groups who would otherwise not be able to pay for the removal of graffiti on their own.” Council member Rivera and others also highlighted the workforce and training benefits tied to the program.

On Camp Long, Council member Saka described the lodge as “one of Seattle's most historic and beloved park facilities” and noted that a suspected arson in November 2024 forced its closure. Central staff and sponsors said Parks has $2.6 million in insurance proceeds to stabilize the structure and begin predesign, but that those funds will not cover full design or a full rebuild; the proposed legislative intent requests a September report that identifies costs, a timeline and potential funding sources and asks Parks to indicate how the project would align with Seattle Park District cycle 3 priorities for 2029–2034.

Sponsors also presented a range of place-based capital requests. Council member Hollingsworth described SPR 5 as the final gap-closing allocation for the Garfield Superblock and said rising construction costs require a final appropriation to finish work. Council member Kettle urged support for SPR 7, telling colleagues that Lake Union Park has diverse uses and “needs increased maintenance and… major maintenance and asset management capital improvement program investments.” Hollingsworth and others discussed multiple turf conversions and feasibility studies to improve field availability and year-round use at Rogers Playground, West Magnolia and other sites.

No formal council votes on the park CBAs were recorded during the afternoon session; sponsors sought cosponsorships and recorded interested colleagues. The park amendments will be carried forward for further review as part of the committee’s ongoing budget process.