Hidden amongst the trees, Cottonwood Grove Park whispers secrets. It’s a small park, just .77 acres, nestled along the Green River in Kent, Washington. Don’t let its size fool you. This tranquil space holds a dark history intertwined with the infamous Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway. Cottonwood Grove Park became one of his dumping grounds. In March 1986, the remains of one of his victims, Tracy Winston, were discovered here beneath a towering tree. She was just 19 when she disappeared from Northgate Mall in 1983. Imagine the carefree days once enjoyed here, picnics under the cottonwood trees, children skipping rocks across the river’s surface. Then picture the horror that descended upon this peaceful place. Ridgway, who grew up not far from here, forever changed the landscape of the Green River Valley. He transformed a place of childhood innocence into a symbol of unspeakable evil. The Green River, once a source of joy and recreation, became synonymous with death. The river’s name itself evoked fear and paranoia. Even Green River Community College saw a decline in enrollment, with prospective students mistakenly associating the murders with the campus. The river, once a place of solace, a place where childhood dreams were launched on tiny leaf boats, became a watery grave for discarded lives. Cottonwood Grove Park serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary places. It is a testament to the fragility of life and the enduring impact of tragedy.
Queen Anne Boulevard
“A scenic loop,” they called it. Queen Anne Boulevard gracefully winds around the crest of Queen Anne Hill. It offers