The long awaited Junction Plaza Park was dedicated on Tuesday, June 29 before a crowd on onlookers, benefactors and many who put in the hours and sweat equity to make the park a reality. Todd Carden, owner of Elliott Bay Brew Pub and President of the Junction Association opened the ceremonies and spoke about the 10 year process the park took to come to fruition.

Carden said, "This is a pretty exciting day. This project has been a long time in the making. " He noted that in 2000 Kay Knapton, then executive director of the Association spearheaded many projects including some of the existing sidewalks and was the original prime mover behind the park. He said, "It's been a big collaboration between the local business community, fund raising, a lot of the local residents have been big supporters of this through the JUNO organization.

He introduced City Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw and Tom Rasmussen who both expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped develop the park, Deputy Parks Superintendent Eric Friedli was on hand as was Parks Board chair Jackie Ramels.

Bagshaw said, "This shows how much the community has come together to make this happen. This was a real opportunity where neighbors and business leaders, labor leaders here as well as the Seattle Parks Foundation made this happen. It's been years in the making but the community should be really proudI, it's beautiful."

Patty Mullen of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce attended the ceremony and said, "I remember when, years ago Kay Knapton wanted to start this park and she raised money for it, so this is seven years ago, she had a vision and it has been a lot of fun to watch this come to fruition under the guidance of the board of directors of the Junction Association."

The event was made more friendly by violinist Pasquale Santos and B.J. Duft of the Fresh Bistro Restaurant. He said, " This is a great, new green space in the middle of West Seattle. I think it will help local business as a place that was formerly an eyesore is now such an attractive place for people to congregate." He mentioned that for him, he expects to sell more food to go (in completely eco-friendly containers) since his restaurant is only a block away.

For more information please visit:
http://seattle.gov/parks/ProParks/projects/JunctionPlazaDev.htm
or contact Gary Gibbons, project manager at 206-386-1511 or gary.gibbons@seattle.gov.