Volunteer Park Trust is working with Seattle Parks & Recreation (SPR) and Seattle Conservation Corps to improve the North-South walking path adjacent to the main park drive, alongside the Black Sun sculpture and connecting the lily ponds. The project is slated to start on June 9, 2025, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the month.

The existing gravel path has been worn bare in many spots. A resulting lack of drainage and erosion of parts of the path mean that rain showers (and sometimes even just a good sprinkling from the irrigation system) leave large puddles across the path, making navigation difficult. This popular and highly trafficked walk between the lily ponds will receive a new gravel surface throughout, smoother connections to stairs and nearby paths, and an improved drainage system near the south pond.

The project will require the area to be fenced during the duration of construction, with path sections reopening as work is completed. Signs onsite will explain the work underway.

In 2024 Volunteer Park Trust replaced dying plants surrounding the lily ponds and improved irrigation for those plants as well as surrounding beds in partnership with SPR. We continue to monitor this area and work collaboratively to improve the experience at this landing spot for many Volunteer Park visitors. .

The path improvements have a preliminary budget of $53,000 and are being funded by generous community donations to Volunteer Park Trust.