Chelsea Park

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Burien, Chelsea Park has been a community hub for generations. Chelsea Park isn’t just a park with swings and fields. It’s a testament to the power of community spirit. In the 1940s, the area around Chelsea Park was just starting to develop. Residents, led by the energetic Mrs. Juvia Goodfellow, formed the Chelsea Park Improvement Club in 1947. Their motto? “Where the Lilies Grow.” They envisioned Chelsea Park as a unique space, distinct from the rest of the South End. They dreamed of lilies blooming throughout the park, a symbol of their community’s growth and identity. To fund their vision, they sold lily bulbs, hosted dances, and even raffled off a hand-braided rug. Imagine the excitement at Coy’s Hi-Line Theatre when the winning ticket was drawn! Bingo nights, with prizes ranging from cash to silverware donated by local businesses, became regular events. This wasn’t just fundraising; it was community building, brick by brick, bingo card by bingo card. Chelsea Park wasn’t built overnight. It took years of hard work and determination. In 1948, the community began working on the playground. Every Saturday, men and even children gathered to clear trees and prepare the land. They envisioned a safe place for children to play, away from the busy traffic of Ambaum Boulevard. The official groundbreaking finally happened in 1949, thanks to the South Seattle Excavating Company and countless community donations. Even blasting out stubborn tree stumps couldn’t deter their progress. Chelsea Park continued to evolve. An amusement center with an outdoor dancing deck was built, and the park officially became county property in 1951. The Chelsea-Evansvale Community Club’s tireless efforts were instrumental in securing this achievement. They even petitioned for better drainage, buildings for shelter, and supervised youth activities. Their dedication to Chelsea Park never wavered. Even decades later, in 1968, King County voters approved funds for further playground improvements. Chelsea Park has seen countless baseball, softball, and soccer games. It’s been the backdrop for picnics, laughter, and community gatherings. Today, Chelsea Park still serves the community. The playground equipment, now over two decades old, is slated for replacement in 2025, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this special place. So, next time you’re at Chelsea Park, take a moment to appreciate the history embedded in every corner. It’s a story of community, perseverance, and the simple beauty of a field of lilies.