SEATTLE—August 15, 2006—Laughter from kids playing in the new Rainier Vista Park was a welcome sound at the park’s dedication and picnic on July 20. More than 175 Seattle Housing Authority residents, park supporters and volunteers who helped build the park came to the event.
“What a pleasure it is to see this park full of life,” said Tom Tierney, Seattle Housing Authority executive director. “This park will be a treasure over time to help sustain and nurture the community that is being built at Rainier Vista.”
Financing to complete the park was not available in the Rainier Vista redevelopment budget. In response, more than 200 volunteers and businesses from the community contributed their time and expertise to make the park a usable and open space for residents to enjoy.
“Nothing of this scale ever happens through the efforts of one individual or organization,” said Mark Okazaki, Neighborhood House executive director. “It really is about a group, like the Rainier Vista community and the (park) sponsors.”
Volunteers from City Year, Young Heroes, Neighborhood House, SvR Design and Seattle Housing Authority helped build the park.
On various weekends throughout May and June the volunteers spread more than 70 cubic yards of topsoil, 10 cubic yards of bark, and planted more than 300 plants and trees.
“Volunteering at the park was more fun than staying at home or watching TV,” said Latosha Evans, a Rainier Vista resident and Young Hero who helped build the park. “Volunteering helps us learn more, get out of the house, help people and stay out of trouble.”
“Helping build the park was a lot of fun,” added Latisha Evans, who suggested the name Rainer Vista Park when the community was asked to submit ideas.
City Year Corps members, Javier Casio, Jessica Silye and Rianna Berkowitz, who helped build the park, were impressed with how well the park now looks. The last time they saw it they were still planting trees and laying sod.
“It’s great to see all of the kids using the park,” said Silye. “I want to come and play in the park too.”
Materials for the park and the volunteer work parties were generously donated by Fusionpartners, Impact Property Services, Plantscapes, Lowes Hardware, Tullys, Krispy Kreme, QFC, P-Patch Foundation, Stewart Lumber, Starbucks and Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Safeco and Starbucks awarded $27,500 to purchase playground equipment and materials for the park.
The park development was managed by Sibyl Glasby from the Seattle Housing Authority and Brenna Casey, an AmeriCorps volunteer with Neighborhood House.
“Their hard work and dedication helped make the completion of Rainier Vista Park a reality,” said Okazaki.
The park is a central meeting place for the neighbors, their families and the extended community. Kids of all ages have been using it since a part of it was opened in early June.
“Seeing the kids enjoy the park is the greatest joy,” said Akbar Meah, Rainier Vista resident.