Hing Hay Park

Explore a significant gathering place for Seattle's Chinatown International District

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. 

Postcard for Fujii Hotel (1914) by Washington State Historical SocietyAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation

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, Puget Sound Regional Archives, 1936, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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Rex Hotel, David Koch/HistoryLink, 2020-10-15, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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Rex Hotel located near Hing Hay Park

Alps Hotel, Puget Sound Regional Archives, 1936, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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Recent Photo of Alps Hotel, David Koch/HistoryLink, 2020-10-15, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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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.

Hing Hay Park's Gateway Construction, Alan Berner / The Seattle Times, 2018-01-19, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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Hing Hay Park's Gateway Construction, Alan Berner/The Seattle Times, 2018-01-18, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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Red Gateway, Assunta Ng, 2018-02-15, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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Construction of the red gateway arch at Hing Hay Park

Hing Hay Park's Terrace and Decorative Stairs (2017-08-17) by Matt Mills McKnight/CrosscutAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation

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.

Lion Dance (2018-03-30) by George Liu, Assunta Ng, and John LiuAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation

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.

Ron Chew, MOHAI, 1986, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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AAPI Against Hate Rally, International Examiner, 2021-03-13, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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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. 

Artistic Lanterns (2019-12-20) by Ronn MerialesAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation

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.

Hing Hay Park's Exercise Equipment, Seattle Parks and Recreation, 2017-09-18, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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Ping Players at Hing Hay Park, Matt Mills McKnight/Crosscut, 2017-08-17, From the collection of: Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation
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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. 

Hing Hay Park's Expansion Celebration (2018-03-24) by Arisa NakamuraAsian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation

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.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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