On a weekend to ponder covering I-5, a call to support Seattles original lid, Freeway Park

The Lid I-5 group pushes for a lid over Seattle's I-5 freeway to enhance connectivity and public space, gathering this weekend to mark the opportunity from recent lane closures. They advocate for support for Freeway Park, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next summer. Secured federal and state grants totaling $2. 2 million will help fund early planning efforts for the lid project. The Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development is set to release a request for proposals for consultant services soon, with a second request anticipated in 2026.

Renovations include restoring iconic fountains and modernizing aging infrastructure, with the group aiming to complete key projects in time for the park's anniversary. Recent projects like the Montlake Lid showcase successful implementations of similar initiatives. However, Seattle Parks reports that construction costs have risen significantly, necessitating a phased approach to project execution. The First Hill Improvement Association has initiated a petition urging city leaders to prioritize these renovations.