Kubota Garden Restroom Construction Begins

Seattle Parks and Recreation is happy to announce that construction will begin for a new restroom and pathway improvements at Kubota Garden through a contract with Optimus Construction and Development Inc. The contractor will mobilize on site on Monday, January 31, 2022.

The project is a result of the Kubota Garden 2019 Master Plan Update process, which was created in partnership with the Kubota Garden Foundation. This current phase of the project will expand ADA access in the garden and enhance the visitor experience by creating two all-gender restrooms, ADA-accessible pathways, and a picnic area will be developed in the 5-acre Terrace Overlook area. The project will include removal of 14 trees from the south side of the parking lot area to make room for an accessible ramp and future parking lot improvements. The trees will be replaced with two trees for every one removed. Construction is anticipated to be completed by summer 2022.

Funding for this project is through a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant for $500,000 and a Land and Water Conservation fund grant for $500,000. Additionally, the Seattle Park District Major Projects Challenge Fund is contributing $100,000 with the Kubota Garden Foundation providing additional volunteer labor.

The construction will impact the south entrance to the garden, the pathways leading from the south entrance to the Terrace Overlook, and access to the picnic area. When pathways are closed, directional signage leading to alternate routes will be provided. Seattle Parks and Recreation and the contractor are working closely with garden staff and with the Kubota Garden Foundation to minimize impacts to public access to the garden.

Located in South Seattle, Kubota Garden is a stunning 20-acre landscape that blends Japanese garden concepts with native Northwest plants. The city acquired the property, which is a historic landmark, in 1987 from the estate of master landscaper Fujitaro Kubota.