Pathways Park Grand Opening
On Saturday, June 8, we joined a beautiful and inclusive community celebration of the grand opening of Pathways Park in Sand Point!
It was a day full of laughter and joy. Activities included Afrobeat dancing, yoga, music from DJ Kimere, sensory planting activities, drag story hour with Aleksa Manila, Southern Lushootseed language lessons with Nancy Jo Bob, food from Frelard Tamales and more!
This park was created with and for people of all ages, abilities, and identities. It was designed for universal inclusive play, exceeding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design standards. The renovated park includes a sensory garden, a treehouse overlook deck with porch swings, covered shelter & BBQs, spinning & climbing play areas, swings and renovated restrooms. 100% of the features are accessible to all. Other improvements throughout the park include pedestrian lighting, improved storm water management, irrigation, art elements, site furnishings, bike racks, parking enhancements and more. Protective fencing will remain in areas around the park to allow newly planted vegetation to become established.
“We are so excited to open this renovated park that focuses on inclusion and universal inclusive play for all kids. The park’s design and footprint is the largest accessible playground ever built in Seattle and reflects our core values in community collaboration, design, innovation and commitment to improve public spaces,” said AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. “I want give a special recognition to Bayshore Construction who has been doing great work at the site and worked hard to have this renovation completed for the Greater and Greener Conference.”
“At Seattle Parks Foundation, we believe that equity is critical in our public spaces. We are thrilled that Pathways Park is now open with its leading innovative design to ensure youth of all abilities can enjoy nature play. Through the leadership of passionate community members, the strong support of Seattle Parks and Recreation, and generous donors passionate about this project, we have built a truly special public space for kids,” said Rebecca Bear, President and CEO of Seattle Parks Foundation.
The park renovation project was inspired by Eli, a young community member who happened to have Down syndrome and the superpower of inclusion. Landscape architects at Site Workshop and the Eli’s Park Project led the design effort and worked with SPR and the neighborhood to create a beautiful, safe, inclusive and accessible space for all. Learn more about it in this recent Seattle Times article.
The approximately $6.5 million public/private project includes $4.2 million from local city, county and state grants and $2.3 million from Seattle Parks Foundation donors.
Thank you to Seattle Parks and Recreation, Friends of Pathways Park, the Eli’s Park Project, Site Workshop, and the community. This park is the result of seven years of hard work, dedication, empathy and joy. It is a park by and for EVERYONE in the community. We hope you enjoy this special space.
Donate to contribute to Friends of Pathways Park for long-term maintenance and ongoing work parties.
Enjoy more photos from the grand opening, all by Jocelyn RC:
