Volunteer Park Trust worked 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 was completed on July 9, 2025.

The existing gravel path had been worn bare in many spots. A resulting lack of drainage and eroded segments meant that rain showers (and sometimes even just a good sprinkling from the irrigation system) left large puddles throughout the path, making navigation difficult. This popular and highly trafficked walk between the lily ponds received a new gravel surface throughout, smoother connections to stairs and nearby paths, and improved drainage throughout.

In 2024, Volunteer Park Trust replaced dying plants and improved irrigation in the vicinity of 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.

Photos: Rectangular images courtesy of Seattle Parks & Recreation