SUMMARY

Executive Zahilay joined community members to celebrate the future Skyway Community Center and provide input on design concepts, marking a meaningful step in the county’s progress toward delivering the community space. 

NEWS 

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay invited community feedback on design concepts for the future Skyway Community Center at a celebration Oct. 10, marking an important milestone toward delivering the long-requested community space in the heart of Skyway. 

Approximately 100 neighbors came together at the Skyway Recreation Aide Program at Dimmitt Middle School, along with elected officials and community leaders. Attendees learned about the project’s progress, viewed conceptual designs, and shared their memories of Skyway Park Bowl, the bowling alley that will be the future site of the community center. The county purchased the property earlier this year. 

 “I grew up in Skyway, and I know firsthand what it will mean for this community to have a thoughtfully designed gathering and recreation space. Delivering this community center is a personal commitment for me, and I’m energized to see this project moving forward to provide a space where young people, seniors, families, and neighbors can gather, play, and build connections for generations to come,” Zahilay said. 

  • Executive Zahilay speaks into a microphone while holding his daughter at a community celebration.
  • Rebecca Zapata speaks with a microphone in her hand.
  • A child reaches for colored pencils.
  • Two people look down at a table with buttons and paper.
  • Three young children play with basketballs.

Concept designs on display highlighted many of the features planned for the future Skyway Community Center, including: 

  • A large multi-use community room 
  • A full-size gymnasium with space for basketball and indoor recreation 
  • Dedicated areas for art, technology, and fitness programs 
  • Youth and teen spaces 
  • Senior gathering and wellness space 
  • Indoor/outdoor community activity zones 
  • Picnic shelter 
  • Water feature 
  • Outdoor seating and stage area 
  • Play structure 
  • LEED Platinum certification and Net Zero Energy 
Community members gather around poster boards that show future concepts for Skyway Community Center.
Community members shared feedback on design elements for several planned features of the future Skyway Community Center.
A woman with a pen in her hand writes on a piece of paper.
A neighbor writes down a memory about Skyway Park Bowl as part of an oral history project with the Black Genealogy Research Group.

These elements reflect years of community advocacy and input and will be tailored based on feedback gathered at the event. The Department of Local Services initially led outreach and engagement when the Skyway Community Center was first proposed by constituents. As planning progresses, King County will partner with the Skyway Community Advocacy Committee and other residents to ensure the center reflects community needs and aspirations. 

Saturday’s celebration featured youth activities, food from local business Salima Specialties, music from DJ MouseWayne, spoken word performance by Tia Nache, and interactive stations where residents provided input on design concepts that will shape the next phase of the project. Neighbors shared personal photos and recorded stories about Skyway Park Bowl as part of an oral history project. 

The future Skyway Community Center builds on a series of recent King County investments in the Skyway area, including upgrades at Skyway Park, and the creation of Black Panther Park. King County remains committed to increasing access to green space, recreation, and community spaces in Skyway. 

The project is led by King County Parks in collaboration with the Skyway Coalition and the Skyway Community Advisory Committee. Construction, scheduled to begin in 2028, will primarily be funded by the voter-approved King County Parks Levy.  

For more information or to stay updated on project milestones, visit the project website and sign up for Skyway project updates/newsletter. 

MULTIMEDIA 

  

QUOTES 

I grew up in Skyway, and I know firsthand what it will mean for this community to have a thoughtfully designed gathering and recreation space. Delivering this community center is a personal commitment for me, and I’m energized to see this project moving forward to provide a space where young people, seniors, families, and neighbors can gather, play, and build connections for generations to come.

– Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive

King County Parks is honored to partner with the Skyway community on this project. This is a space Skyway residents have envisioned and advocated for over many years, and we’re going to keep listening to the community and working together to make sure the final center reflects what people want and need.

– Warren Jimenez, Director of King County Parks

Third spaces like the Skyway Community Center are critical in making sure residents can access a dedicated gathering space where people can socialize, relax, and connect with community. It is my hope that this center will ensure residents will no longer have to leave Skyway to get access to recreational activities such as a full-size gymnasium, dedicated areas for art, technology, youth and teen spaces, and senior wellness programming. What makes this project especially exciting is that it is driven by community and will add to Skyway’s growing local infrastructure.

– Rhonda Lewis, King County Councilmember 

It has been incredible to witness and support the journey of Skyway’s soon to be new community center.  We are here today because, of course, of important investments and the leadership of our electeds and King County partners. However, at the heart of this story is our community’s unwavering commitment to decades of powerful organizing and advocating that led to securing and developing this impactful community resource!

-Rebecca Zapata, Director of Skyway Coalition

RESOURCES

CONTACT 

Eleanor Lee, King County Parks, 206-477-4530