Seattle's Little Saigon neighborhood is gearing up to welcome the new Hoa Mai Park with open arms and festivities. The community and Seattle Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Friends of Little Saigon, are set to host a ribbon-cutting celebration on July 27, 2024, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. According to the Seattle Parks and Recreation blog, attendees will be treated to music, food, a Lion dance performance by Mak Fai Kung Fu, and children's activities at the event which is free to the public.
The park aims to enrich the vibrant Vietnamese heritage of the neighborhood, Mayor Bruce Harrell noted the space as a symbol of community and collaboration. "Activated with new art installations, a play area for youth, and accessible gathering spaces for events, the new Hoa Mai Park will help foster stronger community connections in the heart of our cherished Little Saigon neighborhood," he said in a statement, "This project exemplifies our One Seattle value of collaboration with community, and I’m grateful for the partnership with Friends of Little Saigon to make this park a vibrant place that honors the history, culture, and character of this special part of our city. I am looking forward to the many Lunar New Year and other community celebrations that will occur in this park!"
Quynh Pham, the Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon, relayed the community's anticipation for a green space dedicated to public gatherings. "This park is a place for elders to hang out, children to play, and employees in the neighborhood to enjoy lunch or a break away from work. FLS is excited for this to be open and will be working with our community and City partners to keep it safe and activated," she told Parkways Seattle.
The new Hoa Mai Park, named after the yellow Hoa Mai flower that blooms in early spring symbolizing rebirth and renewal, is located at 1224 S. King Street. The park features various-sized spaces suited for community gatherings and events, including good sight lines and night lighting, a play area with resilient rubber surfaces, and concrete seat walls with colorful and supportive play structures for children.
