In collaboration with Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Parks and Recreation made improvements of the the sidewalk, drainage, and parking along 16th Ave. S between S Dakota St. and S Nevada St, just west of the Jefferson Playfield. The walkway is one of the main routes to school for many Asa Mercer International Middle School students and was often unusable due to puddling and mud from the adjacent hill.
Feet First worked with the community on creating a walking audit that called out the improvements and worked with the school and other representatives to ensure the project was prioritized.
The new improvements increase safety and walkability for the students as well as city residents. Green Stormwater Infrastructure techniques were used with a new drainage swale including small native trees to the west, and a french drain to the east of the sidewalk. The new street trees contribute to the cities goal of increase the urban canopy 30 percent by 2037. Spring blooming bulbs will be planted in the tree pits embracing Asa Mercer’s school colors of blue and white. Improvements also include parking surfacing, wheel stops, and a rockery wall.
Funding was made possible through Seattle Department of Transportation and the Seattle Parks Major Maintenance Restoration Program and was done at the request of the Asa Mercer International Middle School PTSA, Feet First, and neighboring residents as part of Asa Mercer’s Safe Routes to School Program. LPD was the civil engineer.