Heart of Phinney Park

History
In 1999 neighborhood residents had a vision of a new community green space that would eliminate an unsightly traffic island and serve as a welcoming gateway to the neighborhood. Thanks to support from the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Seattle's Transportation Department, Starbucks Coffee and Red Mill Burgers, that vision became the Heart of Phinney Park, a small but lushly-planted green oasis that straddles both sides of Phinney/Greenwood Avenue at 67th Street.

The east half of the park, which was completed in 2001, includes traffic modifications, plantings and a pleasant seating area at the base of the historic air raid tower. This portion of the park was designed by Daniel Winterbottom. In 2003 the west portion of the park was developed, which includes two seating areas and a pedestal designed to feature sculptural displays. Both phases included traffic safety improvements. The basic construction and planting was based on a design by Melanie Mills.  

Gardening
Heart of Phinney Park is maintained by a corps of volunteer gardeners, coordinated by the Phinney Neighborhood Association. Periodic work parties are scheduled, but many volunteers sign up as "Pacemakers" and work 4 hours/month in the garden on their own schedules. We welcome new volunteer gardeners!

The Plants
We are working on a guide to the plants in Heart of Phinney Park. If you are interested in learning about the plants and whether they might thrive in your own garden, we will try to get that information for you.

The Tower
The air raid tower was constructed in 1954 during the height of the cold war. Plans are currently underway to restore the tower to its original condition and provide an interpretive exhibit at its base.

Art
Temporary art installations at Heart of Phinney Park are coordinated by the staff at Francine Seders Gallery. 

To get involved in Heart of Phinney Park or for more information, contact Judith@phinneycenter.org