Licton Springs Park
About
The Restroom Replacement Project info is below.
Licton Springs was once a healing center for Native Americans, who constructed sweat lodges and bathed in the mineral waters of the springs. After pioneer David Denny built a cabin near the springs in 1870, hundreds of settlers drove for miles to immerse themselves in the spring water and in the mud.
Today, rustic, natural qualities arise from the sights and sounds of trickling streams, long grasses waving in the breeze, small ponds, and winding paths. The park itself is available for weddings and ceremonies.
The springs site remained a picnic area until 1935 when E. A. Jensen bought the site and built a spa. Then thousands flocked to the springs to take the waters and dunk in the thermal baths. In 1960 Seattle voters approved the site as a park, and the City bought the springs in 1961. Licton Springs still flows through the park. Historically, there were two springs within the park. The larger spring at the park's south end was filled with silt in the early 1960s. The smaller "iron spring" still exists today (somewhat modified) in the northwest corner of the park within the wooded area.
Licton Springs Public Restroom Replacement Project
Fall 2024 Update
SPR in collaboration with its’ design partner Jones and Jones – Architects, Landscape Architects and Planners continue to make progress on the restroom redesign. We have completed an accessibility assessment and an arborist survey of the site. These documents will allow the design team provide a site design that ensures accessibility, and minimal impact to existing trees on the site. The design team is hard at work completing the 60% construction documents.
SPR is working with the Office of Arts and Culture to finalize the artist selection process. Stay tuned for more information on engagement related to the art selection.
Timeline of previous public meetings:
- The first meeting was held on January 18, 2023 and solicited input about the desired location and site features associated with the renovation.
- The second meeting was held on April 19, 2023 and solicited input on three different location options for the restroom.
- The third meeting was held on July 19, 2023 and the design team presented the preferred site plan and layout for the future restroom.
The fire damaged restroom has been removed, and the facilities crews have secured the site until construction can begin on the restroom in 2025.
Seattle Parks and Recreation secured $250,000 to develop a pre-design study for re-building the restroom. The final pre-design study along with and cost estimate were approved by SPR and will be submitted by October 2023, to the insurance company, for a final construction budget. We are working to execute a full design contract to complete the design and construction documentation in late 2023 to 2024 we will complete design. We anticipate construction to occur in 2025.
For more information, please contact Rachel Banner at: Rachel.Banner@seattle.gov