Friends of Detective Cookie Chess Park

Activating an underused open space for use by a youth chess club and providing a safe place for young people and adults from different cultures to meet and play chess anytime.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Rainier Beach in Southeast Seattle is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse neighborhoods in the United States. For a decade, Detective Denise ‘Cookie’ Bouldin has inspired Rainier Beach youth to avoid violence and become successful adults by developing critical thinking skills through playing chess. Her chess club meets twice weekly, year round, in spaces donated by the Rainier Beach Branch Library and Rainier Beach Community Center. She also teaches chess classes at nearby South Shore K-8 and Van Asselt Elementary School, connecting with more than 190 students each week. With community input, and design expertise from Johnson and Southerland, the Friends of Detective Cookie Chess Park have developed a professional landscaping plan for an outdoor chess park that features permanent artist-designed tables and multi-functional community space in the right-of-way at Rainier Ave South, South Barton Place, and 51st Avenue South. The park was built in partnership with Seattle Department of Transportation in 2022. Your contribution will be instrumental in supporting community events and ongoing maintenance.

Access the park schematic (pdf) here.

Send a check

To make a donation by mail, please send a check payable to Seattle Parks Foundation to:

PO Box 3541
Seattle, WA 98124-3541

If your gift is intended for one of our community partners, please add their name in the memo line or with an accompanying note.

A tax receipt will be mailed to you upon receipt of your contribution.

Thank you!

Donate Your Car

Have an old car taking up space in your driveway?

Donate it to Seattle Parks Foundation!

We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment, and other motorized vehicles. All or part of your donation may be tax deductible.

To get started, simply complete the online donation form or call 855.500.7433 or 855.500.RIDE to speak to a representative. You can also read more at careasy.org.

Have an old car taking up space in your driveway?