Thornton Creek Restoration at NE 125th St & 23rd Ave NE

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is partnering with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and the non-profit Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group (MSFEG) to develop a floodplain reconnection project at 2318 NE 125th Street. It will improve Thornton Creek water quality, in-stream and riparian habitat, and on-site stormwater management, while creating an accessible natural area for the Lake City community.

Initial work in the area will include weed removal work set to begin on the site in April 2021. SPR’s Green Seattle Partnership is helping to lead this effort with generous assistance from the King County Noxious Weeds Program through the Healthy Lands Project. Professional crews from Dirt Corps will be active in spring and summer carrying out weed control of potentially problematic plant species, as well as soil stabilization near Thornton Creek and on steep slopes adjacent to 125th St. As construction progresses, crews and volunteers will eventually replant with a diversity of native trees and shrubs in these areas now dominated by just a few species of weeds.

The parcel is entirely within the FEMA floodplain along 200 ft of Thornton Creek channel. Floodplain reconnection and additional flood storage will provide climate resiliency in the future, while reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff into the creek, including water pollution and potential flood damage to residents along this section of the creek.

The entire project still needs funding approval. A fully funded project will include a site plan, conduct community engagement, develop design solutions, and construction of the preferred design option. The designs will consist of nature-based solutions including riparian habitat, stream restoration, green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens or swales, and community access.

For more information about the project please visit https://www.seattle.gov/…/lake-city-floodplain-park… or contact Cynthia McCoy at Cynthia.mccoy@seattle.gov.