Denny Park Revitalization Begins

The Friends of Denny Park has hired The Berger Partnership to work with the community and the Seattle Parks Department to develop a play space and revitalization plan for the park, located on the corner of Denny Way and Dexter Avenue North. A Project Advisory Team (PAT) has been selected. The first public workshops were in August and September. One additional meeting will be held on November 16.

Brief History of the Park

Denny Park is Seattle’s oldest park. Pioneer David Denny gifted the land to the city, first as a cemetery in 1861, and then as a park in 1884. By 1904, the area had become residential, and the park was improved with formally designed planting beds, swings and other play equipment, a sand lot and a play field. Children were, from the earliest, regular users of the park.

Today, Denny Park’s formal pathways remain, but the shrubs are past their prime. However, there are approximately 35 varieties of trees in the park. Many of these are unusual species and a consultant, along with the Parks Department arborist, will examine them all. These trees are a valuable resource in an area that is rapidly developing and are a unique feature of the park. 

Looking to the Future

A diverse coalition of park supporters called Friends of Denny Park is working, in partnership with City Departments, to revitalize the park to serve the children, families and other constituents who populate two of Seattle’s fastest growing neighborhoods - South Lake Union and Denny Triangle.

“This is quite a big project that will impact our community positively,” said Kate Mortenson of the group Friends of Denny Park. “We’d like people to speak up about their wishes and preferences at these two remaining public meetings.”

Since there are no specific amenities to invite use by children or families, the major project goal is to develop a play space in Denny Park. The project will also be looking at ways to make the park safer and more inviting.

The public is encouraged to attend the remaining meeting. Please come and participate. The meeting date and location is as follows:

• Workshop 3 - November 16: Denny Park Lutheran Church, 766 John Street, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Kids’ Input Important, Too

Children are also being consulted to discuss play spaces. Two workshops were held earlier this month with students from the Spruce Street School and the Morningside Academy. One remaining meeting, yet to be scheduled, will seek input from children who live at the Denny Park Apartments.

For More Information

• www.friendsofdennypark.org
  
  
• www.seattle.gov/parks/Projects/NMF/Denny.htm