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Beginnings of Hing Hay Park
Established in the 1970s and expanded in 2018, this park has evolved into a vibrant community hub. Its name, translating to "Celebrate Happiness Public Park," captures the essence of joy and communal gathering it aims to foster.
Aerial of International District (1969-07-09) by Seattle Municipal ArchivesAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Hing Hay Park can be traced back to the Model Cities Program of the 1970s, when Seattle recognized the urgent need for open spaces in its Chinatown International District, a densely populated area with minimal green spaces.
Wing Luke Asian Museum (1971) by Wing Luke Asian MuseumAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Conceived by the innovative minds of Kongjan Yu and SvR Design Company (now MIG), Hing Hay Park's Design is a masterful integration of traditional Asian aesthetics and contemporary urban design principles.
The landscape
Initially occupying the site of two wooden-frame Single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels, the park's creation symbolized a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the neighborhood's residents. SROs once filled a crucial housing niche for low-income workers and immigrants
Rex Hotel located near Hing Hay Park
Alps Hotel located near Hing Hay Park
Hing Hay Park Expansion (2015-05-26) by TurenscapeAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
The park's expansion
Its expansion in 2018 further solidified its role as a central gathering place, blending historical legacy with modern functionalities.
Hing Hay Park Red Gateway Entrance (2020-10-15) by David Koch/HistoryLinkAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Design and features
The park's iconic red metal gateway, inspired by Asian paper cutting and folding traditions, invites vistiors into a world where art, culture, and nature intermingle.
Construction of the red gateway arch at Hing Hay Park
Terraces reminiscent of rice paddy fields, integrated seating, and native Chinese plantings create a serene environment that encourages community engagement and personal reflection.
Lunar New Year (2024-02-07) by City of Seattle, Office of Mayor Bruce HarrellAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Cultural and community impact
As a nucleus of cultural expression and communal activity, Hing Hay Park embodies its foundational purpose of celebrating happiness.
From tai chi practitioners greeting the dawn to families and friends reveling in festivals like the Lunar New Year and Summer Dragonfest, the park is a canvas on which the diverse tapestry of the community's life is painted.
Demonstrators marching at Hing Hay Park (1982) by Cary Tolman, Seattle Post-IntelligencerAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Site of resistance
In moments of adversity, the park transforms into a powerful symbol of community resilience, where protests and acts of resistance take center stage.
Protests hosted at Hing Hay Park
Hing Hay Park Grand Opening (2018-03-30) by George Liu, Assunta Ng, and John LiuAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Recent developments and uses
The park's recent expansion has doubled its size, introducing new elements that cater to both the community's needs and desires.
The inclusion of an artistic lantern projecting messages of happiness, outdoor fitness equipment, and a space that transforms into an amphitheater for live performances, Hing Hay Park redefined what it means to be a community space.
New features at Hing Hay Park
Seattle Parks sketch (2016-02-08) by Gabriel Campanario (Seattle Sketcher)Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
Significance and future prospects
Hing Hay Parks stands as a vibrant symbol of community resilience and cultural preservation in the heart of Seattle's Chinatown International District.
Its transformation from a modest urban park to a celebrated cultural landmark demonstrates the power of thoughtful urban planning and community engagement.
Seattle’s Chinatown International District Announcement (2023-05) by Washington Trust for Historic PreservationAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
A space for us
As it continues to evolve, Hing Hay Park will undoubtedly remain a cherished space where the community can gather, celebrate, and find solace, ensuring its place in the heart of Seattle's cultural and social landscape for generations to come.
