An Open Space Vision Plan for a Neighborhood Recovering from Industrialization

South Park Green Space Vision Plan | Seattle, WA

The South Park neighborhood has been recovering from the effects of industrialization of the Duwamish River Valley.  As one of the most diverse communities in Seattle, South Park lacked safe and accessible public green space. Neighborhood leaders of all ages and backgrounds, including 5th grade students and teachers at Concord International Elementary, contributed to a visioning effort to consolidate and prioritize open space and connectivity improvements. The result was a set of recommendations, thirty-percent concept designs, new partnerships, and the groundwork for future efforts to develop and improve their top seven priority projects. The thirty-percent designs for these sites captured the community’s voices and provide the documents needed to pursue additional support and grant funding. As a result, many of these sites have seen new, built projects.