Community Ribbon Cutting Celebration April 5
Seattle Parks and Recreation is excited to announce Cheryl Chow Park is open and invites the community to celebrate the new 1.2 acre park in Rainier Valley at 3640 35th Ave. S. Seattle WA 98144 on Saturday, April 5 from noon to 2 p.m. Come explore the park and meet your neighbors plus enjoy music, basketball with support from Seattle University Redhawks, games from SPR Rec ‘n the Streets, exercise equipment support from Androfits training and much more!
SPR would like to thank the community for their patience as we acquired four different parcels to create 1.2 acres and created a large multi-generational park for the high-density neighborhood and for their participation in the design process.
Over 50 new trees, open lawn, bioretention swales, pathways, play and fitness equipment, a half basketball hoop, picnic areas with barbeques, and lighting create a multi-generation park for the community to enjoy for years to come. The project incorporates substantial right of way improvements and accessibility features in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Textile/fabric designs representing the diverse cultures and heritages of the neighborhood will be incorporated in the park.
“The newest addition to Seattle’s world-class parks system is exciting news for residents in our vibrant and diverse Rainier Valley community, giving them a new gathering space that fosters health and wellbeing,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell “It is only fitting that this park is named after Cheryl Chow, a lifelong Seattleite and champion for kids and families in our city. I look forward to seeing how this park honors and continues her legacy by bringing people together and strengthening the fabric of this community.”
“We are so happy to be opening this large community park, an investment in public health and equity, in the Rainier Valley. This project is a great example of the work our property team does in pulling together adjoining parcels to create a larger recreational space for the community,” said AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. “I want to thank King County and the State for their support of this park. These green spaces provide access to recreation, clean-air and nature, all of which are critical for physical and mental health. I look forward to celebrating with the community on April 5.”
Original funding for this park is provided by the Seattle Park District with strong funding support from King County Conservation Futures for property acquisition. Additional funding is provided by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Land and Water Conservation Fund and Wildlife and Recreation Program, King County Parks Capital and Open Space Levy, and Kaiser Permanente.
The park formerly called N. Rainier Landbank site is named after the late Seattle Councilmember Cheryl Chow, whose life and career were dedicated to public service. As a long-time Councilmember, Chow devoted her life to serving the people of Seattle, particularly those in marginalized communities. Serving on the City Council from 1990–97, Chow championed parks, spearheaded the renovation/building of recreation centers throughout Seattle, forged the Seattle Public Schools-Community Centers agreement, and extended recreation hours for after-school programs. Chow passed away in 2013.
Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/north-rainier-landbanked-site-park-development for more information or contact Karen.oconnor@seattle.gov.
