A place where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can find play, peace and community
Pathways Park began as The Eli’s Park Project. This project was inspired by Eli, a sweet boy who happened to have Down syndrome and too much joy to keep inside. Eli loved his brothers, playing outside and everyone he met. He communicated in lots of different ways, including with an alternative augmentative communication device – his talker. One of Eli’s gifts was the way he connected with and loved people exactly as they were.
His first independent sentence on his talker was:
And he did. And the Eli’s Park Project carried on his legacy of love by coming together to imagine a community and a place where people of all ages, abilities and identities feel a sense of belonging exactly as they are.
For seven years, the community shared their talents, stories, resources, encouragement, hopes and dreams. Landscape architects at Site Workshop listened and learned and imagined how to create a space for everyone. Alongside the community, they thoughtfully designed a park to make nature accessible, to make play inclusive and to make people feel safe and welcome.
Parallel pathways, which are the foundation of the park and inspiration for the name, encircle the space providing an easily accessible route as well as a more challenging course to all of the park features. The features are spread out into fully accessible pockets of play that include a sensory garden, sand and water play, swinging, spinning, sliding, climbing, places of respite, a cave and so much more. Each piece of equipment and furnishing was carefully chosen to encourage inclusive play and provide a variety of options.
Beautiful art throughout the park encourages visitors to look beyond the surface, to consider different perspectives and to practice community care. Giant rainbow snags are a beacon of welcome from afar and little pieces of art and messages are tucked in to be discovered as you explore the park.
All three single stall, all-gender bathrooms include changing tables that can accommodate large bodies including one with an electric, height-adjustable table.
Opened on June 8th, 2024, Pathways Park is a testament to what we can accomplish together when we decide that no person, group, or issue is more important or less deserving than another.
We hope you show up with your whole selves, with open hearts and minds, with love for each other, and enjoy Pathways Park together.
Friends of Pathways Park
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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!
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.
