The public parks and green spaces found within the International District are important assets to the people of the community. There are many different parks and other spaces scattered throughout the district, each offering their own unique settings and experiences. This spread of locations makes the utility of the parks more accessible to everyone in the district. No matter what part of the district somebody lives in, there is always a park or greenspace relatively close.
Hing Hay Park is located near the Light Rail and serves as one of the best places to gather, socialize, and relax. The recently renovated park features beautiful artwork, landscaped terraces and trees, as well as ping-pong tables and seating. Additionally, the park includes stages and lighting which allows for cultural performances and events when circumstances allow. By acting as a community and cultural safe space, Hing Hay Park proves to be a true asset to the people of the International District.
Kobe Terrace is located not too far north of Hing Hay Park, and sits right next to the freeway. This terraced hillside is full of nature and culture, including many Mt. Fuji cherry trees and a 200-year-old Yukimidoro stone lantern, all of which were gifts from Seattle's sister city, Kobe, Japan. This park serves as a truly green space in the urban sprawl of Seattle, and provides a place for people to relax and appreciate history.
Danny Woo Garden is actually the lower part of Kobe Terrace. This space is used as a community garden and divided up into small plots to grow a variety of produce. There are also pens used to keep chickens! All of the vegetables, herbs, flowers, and animals are looked after by members of the community. This place is a major asset for the community, serving as a place to gather, to learn, and to work together.
When I visited the International District I thought it was a wonderful place. The parks that I visited were more beautiful in person than in the articles, but the research I had done prior matched up with what I was seeing. I was happy to see that people were using the spaces provided by the parks, especially in Hing Hay Park where there were many people. The parks seemed to be serving their function by providing a place for people to gather, socialize, and relax. With everything accounted for, the parks and green spaces in the International District are undoubtedly an asset to the community.
Parks in the International District
Sources:
Argerious, Natalie Bicknell. “Explore Culture, History and Urban Design in the Chinatown International District This July.” The Urbanist, 28 June 2018, https://www.theurbanist.org/2018/06/28/explore-culture-history-urban-design-chinatown-international-district-july/.
Parks and Recreation. “Kobe Terrace.” Kobe Terrace - Parks, 2019, https://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/kobe-terrace.