Speaking of paving projects and making safer streets around Volunteer Park, the landmark city green space has a near $100,000 paving project of its own to get to.

With the park reopened to traffic following closures to allow for more pedestrians bicycling space during the height of the COVID-19 restrictions, city parks planners say the plaza parking area in front of the Seattle Asian Art Museum is in dire need of repair:

The existing stone within Volunteer Park Drive was installed in 1975 based on drawings by Richard Haag as an extension of the paving at the steps and entry to the Museum. Appoximately 230 sf of stone pavers in the primary vehicle path were replaced with concrete previously (believed to be at least 10-15 years ago). Approximately 410 sf of the remaining stone in the primary vehicle drive area has failed and needs to be replaced. Together, the 640 sf of previously failed and currently failed stone represents 33% of all stonework within the primary vehicle drive area (1950 sf total).

A project to replace the plaza’s cracking stones was recently brought in front of the city’s landmarks review board. The body will need to sign off on the project within the protected confines of the more than 100-year-old park.

Meanwhile, the overhauled Seattle Asian Art Museum is inviting visitors again.

The unscheduled project joins a steady stream of work around the popular but aging park where construction to build a new $3 million amphitheater continues.

Some changes come faster than others. The city decided to simply pull down an offensive plaque from the park in August. The giant stone where it was affixed in the 1950s remains, now blank.

As for the plaza, the city has recommended its stones be replaced with new concrete pavement and the landmarks board says it supports the idea if the paving can “maintain the scale and visual continuity” while “providing a more durable and appropriate material within the high vehicle drive areas.” Cost might be a factor, however, leading to a cheaper short-term fix of replacing individual stones.

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