Seattle, King County reverse course, will keep City Hall Park under city control

After King County Executive Dow Constantine and then-Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan reached an agreement last year for Seattle to swap the troubled City Hall Park for 13 county properties, the city will retain ownership of the park.

Current Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Constantine announced that they have reached a new agreement about the future of the park and will be developing a plan to safely open the park and fountain area in Prefontaine Place.

The park has been fenced off and closed since August 2021 after judges and courthouse workers urged the city and the county to do something after several attacks, shootings, and a fatal stabbing at the park.

The situation at the park had gotten so bad that a King County judge said that jurors were refusing to show up for jury duty because they did not feel safe.

Last summer, hundreds of people marched around the King County Courthouse and demanded a change in safety conditions.

The city then shut down the park, which continues to be surrounded by a gate.

Now, there is a new plan for the city to revitalize the park to make it a safe and welcoming space.

The city council is expected to pass Harrell’s proposed city budget, which includes $2.8 million for the park. Investments will be made to reopen and revitalize the park to serve as a public gathering space and a place for food trucks, concerts and other events that will attract visitors. There are also plans for moveable and permanent seating areas where people can eat lunch.

The city will also clean and reactivate the historic fountain at Prefontaine Place and look into installing public restrooms in the park.

As far as safety, King County Metro Police and Sound Transit Police will have a visible safety presence at transit stations and stops. The city will partner with building owners and tenants to make sure building security measures are in place.

“Making this long-neglected space a safe and enjoyable park for thousands of King County staff, jurors, customers, visitors and residents will help restore and revitalize downtown Seattle. King County appreciates Mayor Harrell’s proposal to create a safe and welcoming front yard for our historic courthouse,” said Constantine.

The city will also partner with local businesses to occupy currently vacant stores nearby to boost foot traffic and shopping.

Also planned are recreational areas and kiosks to help visitors to the city find their way through the downtown core and Pioneer Square.