Hiawatha Community Center To Reopen Feb. 21 After Major Renovation

Seattle Parks and Recreation will reopen the Hiawatha Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, marking the return of West Seattle’s oldest community center following extensive renovations and upgrades.

An official ribbon cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the center, 2700 California Ave. SW in the Admiral District. The celebration will include music, refreshments and open tot gym time.

Mayor Katie Wilson emphasized the importance of community centers to neighborhood life.

“Community centers are where Seattle’s social fabric gets reinforced–through trust, culture and everyday connection,” says Mayor Wilson. “Hiawatha Community Center has long been a place for West Seattle to gather, for families to enjoy themselves, and for people to connect across generations and cultures.”

Councilmember Rob Saka, who represents District 1, called the reopening a priority for West Seattle residents.

“The reopening of our beloved Hiawatha Community Center has long been top priority for my office, and I’m incredibly pleased to finally see its doors open again,” says Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1). “West Seattle has waited a long time for this moment, and this project is deeply important to the neighbors who rely on Hiawatha as a place to gather and connect. I want to thank Seattle Parks and Recreation for their commitment to this project and for making this the first fully decarbonized community center in Seattle. I’m also grateful to the community members who have been emailing and calling my office to advocate for this space. Their persistence, partnership, and engagement made this reopening possible.”

Michele Finnagen, interim superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation, said the renovation strengthens the center’s role in the neighborhood.

“We are so excited to open this community center. The renovation of the building creates an anchor for the neighborhood. It furthers Seattle Parks and Recreation’s values of Vibrant Communities, Healthy People, and Thriving Environment. We look forward to offering a welcoming space with programs for all,” says Michele Finnagen, Interim Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation.

The renovation was designed to extend the life of the facility and expand programming opportunities while preserving historic elements. Improvements include a seismic retrofit of the gym and brick veneer, new energy efficient windows, roof replacement, renovated restrooms and kitchen and installation of a new electrified HVAC system. The lobby was redesigned to create a more welcoming entrance.

Hiawatha Community Center is the oldest community center in the Seattle Parks and Recreation system and is now the first fully electrified community center in the system. Electrification reduces reliance on fossil fuels in favor of more sustainable energy systems. Buildings account for approximately 40 percent of Seattle’s climate pollution, and officials said the mechanical upgrades reflect the department’s environmental goals.

Through the end of March, the center will offer drop in activities, facility tours and community engagement opportunities while finishing touches are completed.