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Committee recommends adding Westlake Park to LCLIP; Parks to remove, store 7 Hills sculpture
Summary
The committee unanimously recommended passage of an LCLIP amendment to fund Westlake Park improvements, including removal and storage of the 7 Hills sculpture and fountain, expansion of open space, an ADA-accessible stage and vehicle-ramming mitigation; Parks said LCLIP revenues were higher than forecasted so existing projects would not be reduced.
The Parks, Public Utilities and Technology Committee voted 5–0 on Dec. 10 to recommend passage of Council Bill 121137, an amendment to the Landscape Conservation and Local Infrastructure Program (LCLIP) funding plan that would add Westlake Park improvements to the downtown/South Lake Union project list.
Superintendent AP Diaz and Deputy Superintendent Andy Sheffer (Seattle Parks and Recreation) told the committee the amendment would expand public open space in Westlake Park, introduce more vegetation, enlarge and make the stage ADA-accessible, remove trip hazards, and add vehicle-ramming mitigation in preparation for large events. The package also adds scope to remove and transport the fountain, arch and the 7 Hills sculpture for storage and future reinstallation.
"The removal of the 7 Hills sculpture will be transformative in opening up sight lines at the south end of the park," Sheffer said, describing the change as part of an effort to better connect ground-floor commercial space with the park and to soften the site with more planting. Karina (transcribed as Karina/Corina) Bull, Council central staff, told the committee LCLIP revenues exceeded forecasts and adding Westlake will not take funding away from previously programmed work in South Lake Union and downtown.
Parks acknowledged additional expenses associated with artist coordination, transportation, storage and future reinstallation may not be fully coverable by LCLIP and said it will seek appropriate funding and community input. The department committed to relocating the artwork to a prominently located park of at least 1 acre within five years, subject to further planning and consultation with the artist and the community.
Councilmembers raised questions about due diligence, timeline and event readiness (including the FIFA World Cup referenced as an upcoming demand on downtown spaces). Committee members praised Parks’ outreach and asked that Parks continue consultation with the artist Robert Mackey and community groups.
The chair moved the committee recommendation and the clerk recorded a unanimous 5–0 roll-call vote. The committee forwarded CB 121137 to the full City Council for consideration on Dec. 16, 2025. Parks said construction activity on the site is underway with a target for substantive completion in 2026 and that opportunistic removal of the sculpture during construction would reduce additional mobilization costs.
What’s next: Parks will continue community engagement, refine cost estimates for relocation and storage, and identify any funding needs beyond LCLIP to cover artist fees and reinstallation.
