Westlake Park is the place to be this summer, thanks to a partnership between the city and several downtown organizations. That “Activation Partnership” is bringing activities and events to Westlake Park in order to reverse the area’s recent reputation for drug dealing and violence. This summer, you’ll find desirability instead of danger. Families instead of felons.
This week, for instance, Westlake Park hosted zumba and yoga classes, Ping-Pong games, a reading area, a fleet of food trucks, a science and technology activity by KidsQuest Children’s Museum, and mask making with the Seattle Art Museum. And all of it was free.
The city is spending $60,000 on this activation partnership, and private downtown groups are kicking in a staggering $650,000. The partnership will hire street performers, install brightly colored tables and chairs, and fill Westlake Park with activities throughout the day and into the evening.
If the partnership gives people reasons to visit, the thinking goes, people will come. All kinds of people. Corporate leaders, homeless people, middle-class families. Everyone is welcome at Westlake Park this summer.
Some of the events and activities (all free!) that you’ll find at Westlake Park this summer include:
- Classical music concerts
- Arts and crafts
- Food truck pod
- Wi-Fi
- Reading rooms
- Children’s activities
- Fitness classes
- Foosball tables
- Ping-Pong tournaments
- Outdoor movies
- Super-sized chess and checkers
- Children’s play area
This is a Westlake Park we’ve never seen before. This is a step toward a more welcoming, vibrant city. So if you’re in the area one afternoon, or if you’re looking for a fun evening with the kids, or if you just want to see the transformation with your own eyes, it’s worth a visit.
