Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Will Celebrate Cheryl Chow Park, a New Multigenerational Space for Rainier Valley

The late politician and community activist Cheryl Chow championed young people and education. On Saturday, April 5, community members in Rainier Valley will have a chance to honor her at the ribbon cutting for Cheryl Chow Park. Located across the street from the Safeway gas station on South Charlestown Street and 35th Avenue South, the park features barbecue and picnic areas, 50 new trees, open lawn area, play and exercise equipment, and a basketball half-court. 

Starting in 2011, the City purchased four parcels of land over the course of 10 years to create the park. "This is a great example of the work our property team does in pulling together adjoining parcels to create a larger recreational space for the community," said AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation superintendent. City, County, and State funding built the park, and the space’s adult exercise equipment was donated by Kaiser Permanente.

The park's namesake, Chow, was a longtime Seattle city councilmember who grew up and lived in Southeast Seattle. An educator, she also served as principal at Franklin and Garfield High Schools, spearheaded the renovation and construction of recreation centers throughout Seattle, and extended recreation hours for after-school programs. Chow also coached basketball for about 30 years for the Seattle Chinese Athletic Association (mainly out of Jefferson Community Center) and led the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team for four decades.

Sarah Morningstar, Chow's widow and Rainier Valley resident, said, "She was unapologetically an advocate for children and families. It's perfect that it's designed to be multigenerational, and there's a basketball hoop … of course." Chow passed away at the end of March in 2013. 

The ribbon-cutting event celebrating the opening of Cheryl Chow Park on April 5 will be from noon to 2 p.m. People can explore the park, hear music, and enjoy refreshments provided by Safeway. A personal trainer will demonstrate how to use the park's adult exercise equipment. Basketball activities will be supported by Seattle University Redhawks basketball team members, and the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team will attend.