Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams has approved a new name for Burke-Gilman Playground Park, Pathways Park. In 1983, the Park Naming Committee discussed the proximity of this park to Burke-Gilman Place Park and that once the park design was completed, they would solicit public comment and chose a distinctive name – noting that it would be a “playground for all children.” The new name represents the pathways around and through the park, as well as the connections that bring people together through inclusivity.
This neighborhood park along Sand Point Way is connected to the Burke-Gilman Trail. SPR has been working with the Eli’s Park Project Committee and the community to renovate the playground. The innovative renovation created an accessible, inclusive, nature-based park space where people of all ages, abilities and identities can find play and peace.
As part of the renovation, the community wanted to ensure the park had a name that reflected the vision for this park, located at 5201 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105. The renovation project will be completed summer of 2023 and includes improvements to the comfort station, parking, pedestrian lighting, improved storm water management, irrigation, new plantings, art elements, new play equipment, site furnishings, barbeques, bike racks and more. The upgrades are in response to community engagement efforts by Eli’s Park Project Committee which highlighted the desire for a park that is welcoming and accessible to all abilities. The approximately $4.8 million project was funded through a combination of private and public contributions.
Criteria considered in naming parks include geographical location, historical or cultural significance, park elements and natural or geological features.
For more information about the project, go to https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/burke-gilman-playground-renovation and/or https://www.elispark.org/