Seattle's Chinatown-International District has lit up, quite literally, with newly installed canopy and café lighting fixtures at Hing Hay Park — a project meant to enhance safety and add a cultural sparkle to the area. Mayor Bruce Harrell, local leaders, and business moguls gathered Thursday to witness the switch-on, celebrating an initiative funded by Seattle Parks & Recreation (SPR), Office of Economic Development (OED), Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA), and various community contributors.
Mayor Harrell was quick to laud the project as a symbol of unity and a step towards a safer, more inviting neighborhood, "Hing Hay Park is a treasured gathering space that brings people across generations together, to experience the rich history and culture of our Chinatown-International District," he said in a statement, provided by his office. Touting the city's "One Seattle values,” Harrell expressed his enthusiasm for future community fests under the new lights — events such as the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations scheduled for February 24.
Councilmember Tanya Woo also chimed in, acknowledging the collective effort behind the bright addition, "I’m so thankful to have our already-vibrant Hing Hay Park shine even brighter, serving as a, welcoming space for visitors and residents alike," Woo stated, per the Mayor's office announcement. The sentiment was echoed by AP Diaz, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation — stressing that the enhanced lighting plays into parks' essential role in community gathering and wellness.
Acknowledging the park as a hub for city-sponsored activities like Dancing Til Dusk, movie nights, and live music — it's evident that the new lighting is more than mere decoration. It's a beacon for community cohesion. Assisting in the park's day-to-day experience, are Park Rangers who, according to the Mayor's office, interacted with over 7,800 individuals in downtown parks last year, in efforts to maintain a hospitable atmosphere.
Financial and logistical backing by CIDBIA and local businesses such as Tai Tung, Edge Properties, Uwajimaya, KODA Apartments, and others, attests to the tight-knit support in the district. Monisha Singh, CIDBIA's Executive Director, took pride in the role the organization played, "CIDBIA is excited to be the fiscal sponsor for the canopy and café lighting installation in Hing Hay Park and is committed to the upkeep and maintenance of the lights going forward," she conveyed, noting the lights' significance in neighborhood revitalization efforts. More information on the park's upcoming events can be found on the Mayor’s office website.
