King County has announced early design plans for the White Center Ponds Project, aimed at improving water quality, public safety, and community access to the area between SW 100th and SW Roxbury Street.

Now at 30% design completion, the project proposes several key improvements:

  • Deepening the existing ponds so they remain wet year-round
  • Removing invasive weeds and replanting native vegetation while preserving sightlines
  • Constructing a well-lit, multi-use loop trail on the east side of the ponds.

“These updates are based directly on community feedback,” the county stated in a recent update. “We heard that safety, accessibility, and visibility were top concerns, and we’ve incorporated those priorities into the design.”

According to a 2022 community survey, 49% of residents who do not currently visit the ponds cited safety concerns, 63% requested more open sightlines, and 58% asked for improved lighting. Additionally, 66% expressed interest in an expanded, accessible trail for walking and biking.

Construction is currently scheduled to begin in summer 2027.

The project team plans to continue working with local community organizations and will attend events throughout the summer to share updates and collect more input.

Public art is also being considered as part of the final design.

Residents are encouraged to participate by completing a survey and sharing their ideas for how the redesigned site can better serve the community.

For more info, click here.

Feedback and questions can be directed to kc-whitecenterponds@cascadiaconsulting.com.

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