Reconnect South Park

Land Acknowledgement: The Reconnect South Park Coalition and project team acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

South Park’s legacy of advocacy and community-led initiatives is evident in early protests the industrialization of the neighborhood, advocacy against pollution and health impacts of open garbage burning at the South Park landfill, and collaboration on the Duwamish River cleanup.

South Park's legacy of advocacy has not only led to tangible investments that support the well-being of South Park residents, but sustains an ethos of empowered, collaborative community members that actively shape the future of their neighborhood. Reconnect South Park is a community-led initiative aligned with this legacy of neighbors organizing and advocating for positive change.

Continue reading to discover the  rich history of South Park and Duwamish Valley  from the time of the valley’s first inhabitants, the Duwamish People to its agricultural peak to the industrialization that led to the construction of the highway. Watch the video below, created by Seyyada Burney, for a more expansive historic discussion.

South Park is a racially and culturally diverse neighborhood:  54% of residents speak a language other than English at home and 74% are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).  It is a vibrant and resilient community with many active volunteers and community-based organizations working to improve conditions and opportunities for their neighbors, especially the youth.

By actively involving community members, stakeholders, and agencies, the project seeks to reimagine and create a more connected, safe, and vibrant South Park. Together, we are working towards a future where the neighborhood thrives, and the well-being of its residents is prioritized.

Many of the community destinations in South Park—the vibrant neighborhood business district, community center, library, food bank, senior center, Marra Farm, and parks and open spaces—are the direct result of community members’ advocacy and collaboration.

South Park faces compounding environmental challenges that impact the health and well-being of community members. Some of the environmental challenges that South Park faces include toxic contamination of the Duwamish River, noise and air pollution from overhead flight paths and industrial activity, and limited mobility connections due to State Route 99 bisecting the neighborhood.