Engaging the Community

We Create White Center” Launch Party – November 14, 2006

Landscape Architecture faculty and students participated in the Launch Party for the neighborhood planning project undertaken by the White Center Community Development Association together with the Urban Design and Planning Studio at the University of Washington. Preferences and feedbacks were collected from the audience concerning open space features and possibilities.

White Center Heights Park Community Meetings – February 6 and 15, 2007

Two community meetings were organized by the White Center Community Development Association and the King County to inform the community about the project and invite feedbacks concerning program elements and issues such as public safety.

Children’s Design Workshops – February 16, 2007

Two participatory design workshops were organized by the Landscape Architecture studio to work with students at the White Center Heights Elementary School and the Southwest Boys and Girls Club. Teams of students from grades 1 to 6 produced their conceptual designs for the park.

Neighborhood Planning Community Workshop – February 28, 2007

Preliminary design proposals for the redesign of the White Center Heights Park were presented at the Neighborhood Planning Community Workshop. Feedbacks from the community were incorporated in the design by the different student teams.

Community Open House – March 7, 2007

Six final design alternatives were presented at a community open house at the St. James Church with community members voting for their favorite alternatives. Some of the popular design features include neighborhood gathering spaces, multicultural community gardens, creative playground, flexible space for activities, covered areas, and community/public art.

"Ultimate Park Makeover" – June 9 through 15, 2007

Phase One of the project will be constructed in June in a joint effort by community members, Starbucks partners, and the Landscape Architecture students from the University of Washington.