The City of Bellevue is moving forward with plans to update Ashwood Park, located at 10875 NE 12th Street in downtown Bellevue. The Parks Department recently submitted a Notice of SEPA Threshold Determination, marking the completion of the environmental review process.
A Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) was issued, meaning no major environmental impacts were identified. The plan now awaits final approval from the Bellevue City Council.
The updated Ashwood Park Master Plan outlines a preferred design that would transform the 3.82-acre park into a more versatile community space. The proposal includes 1.25 acres of open lawn and plaza areas, a 0.25- to 0.5-acre off-leash dog area, a 4,000- to 8,000-square-foot children’s play area, two picnic shelters, an expanded path system, a parking and loading zone, and enhanced landscaping throughout the site.
Ashwood Park currently features a large open field, paved plazas, and a shared parking lot used by the Bellevue Library and KidsQuest Children’s Museum. The park serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors in the downtown area.
The proposed update is designed to strengthen Ashwood Park’s role as a central gathering place in downtown Bellevue and support the city’s goals for accessible, family-friendly green space.
The open area already works very well. Many wonder why the city wants to “improve” it.