Lost in thought, neighbors formed the Friends of Goat Hill. Lake People Park is a small haven. It sits at 3070 S Bradford Street. This is in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. Let’s explore the story of Lake People Park.
Back in 2003, Monte Powell donated this land. He was a developer who helped build the neighborhood. He gave the land to the Seattle Parks Foundation. He was inspired by a presentation about community parks.
The land has a flat upper area. It slopes down into a steep hill. Before it became a park, the area was wild. Blackberries, ivy, and invasive plants covered everything. The Friends of Goat Hill worked hard. They teamed up with the Seattle Parks Foundation. They cleared the land and raised money. They wanted landscaping, footpaths, and benches. They envisioned picnic tables and signs.
In spring 2005, Lake People Park was officially opened. For three years, the Seattle Parks Foundation managed it. After that, Seattle Parks and Recreation took over. They continue to care for the park today.
“Lake People” comes from the Lushootseed word xʷač’uʔabš. It’s a name for the Indigenous peoples of Lake Washington and Lake Union. They are part of the Duwamish tribe. They weren’t one group long ago. But they lived by the lakes. So, they became known as the “Lake People.” Lake People Park honors this history.
Seattle Parks Foundation played a big role. They supported getting the land. They helped develop Lake People Park. They oversaw its maintenance for the first three years. The Seattle Parks Foundation was founded to help Seattle parks. It started as a partner to Seattle Parks and Recreation. Some leaders wanted more freedom to raise money. They wanted to fund projects beyond the city budget. So, the Seattle Parks Foundation became independent in 1999.
The Seattle Parks Foundation has achieved many milestones. In 2024, Be’er Sheva Park reopened with updates. Pathways Park opened as the first accessible nature play space. In 2022, the Duwamish River People’s Park opened. It was the largest environmental restoration on the Duwamish River. Detective Cookie Chess Park also opened.
The Lake People Park connects us to the past. It reminds us of the people who lived here long ago. It shows what a community can do. When people work together, they can create something beautiful. It offers a place for all to enjoy.