A Seattle budget amendment backed by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka would add $125,000 to Seattle Parks in each of the next two years to restore public open hours and recreation programming at Alki Community Center and possibly the Alki Bathhouse.

Alki Community Center has been used for child care only for years. Under the proposal, the Parks funding could support recreation coordination, building-monitor coverage, instructors, and selected evening or weekend activities. Priority programs listed by council staff include roller skating, yoga, tai chi, drop-in basketball, and activities for youth and older adults.

The same amendment would add $210,000 to SDOT in 2027 for public-realm improvements along Alki Avenue, including Restaurant Row. Council staff says that could include beach access improvements, seasonal crowd-management infrastructure, pedestrian lighting, bike parking, wayfinding, seating, and planters, with the work aimed at making the area safer and easier to use.

One part of the broader safety push has already been removed. Council budget chair Dan Strauss cut $50,000 that would have funded a traffic camera on Alki, which currently does not have one.

The remaining proposal keeps both parts of the Alki request alive as budget negotiations continue: more community-center access and a package of street and public-space upgrades for the waterfront.