Powell Barnett Park
This 4.4 tract of land at 352 Martin Luther King Jr Way had been used as a track and athletic field for Garfield High School for years but was sold to the Department of Parks in 1966. This new park was named to honor Powell Barnett, a community organizer and first President of the Leschi Improvement Council (now the Leschi Community Council).
A complete renovation was accomplished in 7 days in 2006 with both funds and labor from Starbucks, the community and even the construction company that was hired to do the work. Planning meetings were held in which neighborhood children chose the type of equipment they would like to see in the park with the result that this is a widely used park that is often featured in publications for its state of the art playground. The neighborhood wished to retain the old restroom in its castle type building and it was renovated both inside and out and is completely ADA compliant as is the playground itself.
There is a full basketball court and a wading pool as well as picnic areas and grills for BBQs. This park has a large expanse of green area which is used for picnics and family gatherings. The entrance to the park displays mosaic tiles which depict some of the highlights of Powell Barnett's activities; this was the work of art students at Coyote Junior High.
One can see sports activities of Seattle Girls' School students on the grassy area on certain weekdays and this park is a destination place for families with young children any day of the week.
Park Features
4.4 Acres
On bus 8 route
Powell Barnett Memorial
Playground
Basketball
Wading Pool
Restrooms
Picnic Area
BBQ
Location
325 Martin Luther King Jr Way S. See it here at Google Maps.