Reimagine Westlake
Daily Journal of Commerce
The Problem
Westlake Park is facing several issues related to aging infrastructure, safety concerns, and the need for improved guest experience and park cohesion. Specific problems identified by our client DSA(Downtown Seattle Association) include:
Aging Infrastructure: Many electrical outlets are no longer working. The fountain has reached the end of its useful life.
Safety Concerns: Poor lighting at night, uneven pavement, and the need for more elements to promote positive park use.
Guest Experience: Barriers to easy access, lack of permanent seating areas, insufficient areas for plantings and seasonal interest, and the need for better signage.
Activation for World Cup 2026: Need for temporary installations and activations to support the event.
The Solution
To better understand the needs of the local downtown residents for this park, we conducted two community meetings in November 2024 and February 2025.
The primary goal of a user survey is to gather insights from the people who use the space most frequently. In the case of Westlake Park, interviewing 150+ downtown residents after two community meetings allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of what visitors value and what challenges they face in the park.
Instead of making assumptions, the survey provided quantifiable data that guided our design decisions. We identified key priorities such as the need for permanent seating, better lighting, more greenery, and enhanced safety measures.
Survey Result
The survey revealed that frequent visitors to Westlake Park desire more permanent seating, improved lighting, better recognition of indigenous culture, and enhanced seasonal plantings. Respondents also support the removal of the existing stage in favor of temporary stages, the expansion of the play area, and the replacement of the old fountain with new features. Additionally, there is strong interest in integrating retail spaces, providing outdoor seating, and ensuring safety to discourage undesirable activities.
