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White Center Ponds Retrofit Project
Project Overview
The County is beginning 100% design for the project, which includes the proposed project elements:
- Excavating the existing ponds to make them wet year-round
- Removing invasive weeds and replanting with native plants in a way that maintains sightlines
- Create a loop trail with lighting by adding a new multiuse pathway on the east side of the pond.
Location
White Center Ponds are located just east of downtown White Center and immediately west of Greenbridge. The site stretches from Southwest Roxbury Street to Southwest 100th Street and between 11th and 12th Avenue Southwest.
Project goal
The goal of this project is to redesign White Center Ponds to improve water quality, attract more community members, and make everyone feel safe. In 2022, we reached out to the community to learn how White Center residents feel about the area, and changes they would like to see.
What we heard from our 2022 survey:
- 49% of the residents who noted they do NOT visit the Ponds area say they avoid it because they do not feel safe there
- 66% of residents are interested in an expanded, accessible multi-use trail for walking, riding, and biking
- 63% of residents requested more open sightlines and 58% requested additional lighting
The project team has taken the feedback into consideration and incorporated them into the proposed design.
Marta Olson and the project team from King County presenting about the White Center Ponds Redesign Project during the site walk on May 16, 2026.
What's happening now
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent community walk-and-talk along the White Center Ponds path on May 16, 2026! We were thrilled to see roughly 40 community members in person and appreciate the input we received. During the site walk, we shared design choices and discussed construction plans. We also addressed maintenance, planting, and wildlife questions.
Community members walking along the White Center Ponds footpath with the project team on May 16, 2026.
Your feedback is invaluable as we continue shaping the future of White Center Ponds. This site walk event was a follow-up from our Open House in August 2025. See the video below for a recording of the open house.
For those who didn't make it to the site walk in May 2026, please refer to this survey link to share your opinion on the site identification signs and language access needs.
Renaming White Center Ponds
During our site walk, the project team introduced the possibility of renaming "White Center Ponds" to a name that better reflects the diversity of the White Center community. Getting the community involved in naming can help residents identify what they value about the town and what they love about their community. We are brainstorming ways that the community can meaningfully give their input.
Keeping White Center Ponds Clean
To ensure a safe and thriving White Center Ponds, King County will create a Maintenance and Monitoring program for up to 10 years after construction to ensure healthy plant establishment.
Stormwater facilities will be inspected routinely. The public can report any damage, dumping, pollution, or other concerns by calling 206-477-4811 or through an online form on the King County Drainage Assistance page.
Proposed design
Here is the proposed design we shared with the public:
Proposed design of the White Center Ponds.
Frequently asked questions from the site walk
Yes, during most phases. Stairs, ramps, and bridges will be open for public use unless noted by the contractor. The contractor will provide an alternatives accessible pedestrian route.
Yes, two benches are planned at overlook locations, each with interpretive signs. Benches will be located on the far north end and at the southwest corner near the intersection of the trail and SW 100th Street.
No, a construction company has not been selected. We anticipate contractor selection to occur in early 2027. Construction hours will be shared with the public closer to the start date.
No, not at this phase
No, this project is focused on stormwater and pedestrian safety improvements.
No, but the boardwalk will be.
No, however residents may discuss this with King County Roads and the City of Seattle.
Project progress
We are on track to reach 100% design during winter 2026. Construction is targeted for mid-2027.
Stay tuned
We will notify residents in advance about construction timing and impacts.
We are also seeking suggestions to rename the site to better reflect the diverse community of White Center. Opportunities to provide naming suggestions will be available and open to the community soon.
Background
The White Center Ponds are a stormwater facility with natural features designed to collect and clean rainwater. Pollutants collected from road and pavement runoff have time to settle to the bottom of the pond where they can be removed through natural processes and maintenance. Plants growing around the ponds draw pollutants and excess nutrients into their roots. Plants growing in the water can trap sticky substances like oil and grease and prevent them from traveling downstream. This treated water then flows into Mallard Lake, followed by Hicklin Lake in Dick Thurnau Park, heads into Salmon Creek, and finally discharges into Puget Sound.
What's the problem?
White Center is becoming more developed. When more streets, sidewalks and buildings are added, there is less soil and plants available to absorb rain. Rainwater instead flows over roads and sidewalks and through storm drains into stormwater ponds. Too much stormwater can flood neighborhood streets and lead to polluted streams and lakes.
Water quality downstream at Hicklin Lake (Lake Hicks) has been poor for years. Toxic algae blooms have led to frequent lake closures and the lake has suffered from high concentrations of phosphorus and bacteria (fecal coliform). Although prior water treatments with alum have had some success, high pollution concentrations have continued to be an issue. This means it is often not safe for swimming, dangerous for pets, and isn’t providing good quality habitat for birds or other animals.
The White Center Ponds are public, but many people avoid the area because of safety concerns. The area is very dark at night. The dense vegetation is hard to see through and provides cover for undesirable uses, especially when the ponds dry out in the summer. The King County Sheriff’s Office is often called to the area in and around the ponds due to illegal activities.
Trail along west side of White Center Ponds.
What changes will happen with the redesign?
The redesigned ponds will contain water year-round and the new plant landscape will provide better visibility. The project team will add lighting so the area feels safer at night and other features to encourage more community use like an expanded ADA-accessible walking and biking path, public art, and opportunities to view wildlife.
This redesign project will make the ponds bigger which will allow more water storage. Bigger ponds also allow more time for pollutants to settle in the ponds. This will help remove pollutants and allow water to be absorbed by plants. This means cleaner water flowing into Hicklin Lake, Salmon Creek and Puget Sound.
Digging out the ponds to make them bigger means that some existing shrubs and trees will need to be removed. The new design will prioritize leaving existing large trees wherever possible. Some of these large trees will be preserved on islands in the middle of the ponds. It will look much like the redesigned pond that is located just south of this project between Southwest 100th and Southwest 102nd streets. Native plants will be installed after construction to provide habitat to insects, birds, and other animals.
Stay tuned
You will see us tabling at various White Center community events where we will be sharing our progress and seeking your input!
Open space on the north end of the site, looking northeast from 12th Avenue Southwest.
Project timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Feasibility study completed | December 2020 |
| Gather community input on design | Summer- Fall 2025 |
| Design phase completion | Winter 2026 |
| Construction target | Summer 2027 |
Project documents
Language Assistance
English
Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at cthao@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-2683.
Spanish: Español
Hay servicios de interpretación y traducción a su disposición sin costo alguno. Si los necesita, póngase en contacto con nosotros mandando un correo electrónico a cthao@kingcounty.gov o llamando a 206-477-2683.
Vietnamese: Tiếng Việt
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Somali: Af Soomaali
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Khmer: ភាសាខ្មែរ
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Amharic: አማርኛ
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Traditional Chinese: 繁體中文
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