Flo Ware Park
Location
S Jackson St & 28th Ave S, Seattle WA 98144, (see it on Google maps)
Details
This small neighborhood park at 28th & Jackson was dedicated to Floresina (Flo) Ware by the city on 5/8/82 in recognition of her many good works.
The park was renovated by the Leschi Community Council in recent years with city and foundation grants as well as private donations and sweat equity by dedicated volunteers.
A half basketball court was installed and small chess board tables which double as flat surfaces to eat one's lunch. There is a BBQ for more elaborate meals. The playground is modern equipment with safety features such as the spongy surface which softens falls. The art works are mosaics created by the art students from Coyote Central and the many inspiring comments of Flo Ware are embedded in the walkway.
The park is accessible by Metro bus #14.
The park is used by neighborhood children and students from the Seattle Girls' School nearby on Jackson. and the Leschi Community Council honors Flo Ware each year in May with a community potluck.
Note: there are no public bathrooms.
There is a water source and electricity is available if you make arrangements with the Parks Department. Permits for park use are also available through the Department of Parks & Recreation... otherwise, it is first come, first served.
Park Features
0.5 Acres
On bus 14 route
Flo Ware Memorial
Basketball Half Court
Chessboards
Picnic Tables
Playground Equipment
Who was Flo Ware?
Florestine R. Ware (1912-1981) was a remarkable woman. She constantly spoke out in a calm, positive manner for academic improvement in central area public schools, quality health care for the aged, and for more employment opportunities for the poor. Flo Ware organized the Central Area School Board and the Foster Parent Association. She spearheaded the Meals On Wheels program for the elderly, and from 1968 - 1979 had a radio talk show on KRAB. She recieved more than 75 awards for her community work. In addition to her community and national activities, Flo Ware was foster mother to 20 children. Soon after her death in 1961, there was an outpouring of feeling from the Central Area community that a memorial to her be created. In 1982, the city paid tribute to Flo Ware by renaming the Jackson Street Mini-Park in her honor.
Source: Mary T. Henry, Tribute: Seattle Public Places Named For Black People (Seattle Stance Press, 1997)
Events
Flo Ware is the location for Flo Ware Day and the Hopscotch Event.