Suquamish helps reimagine and reopen Seattle parks greenway

Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman joined Seattle-area leaders June 4 to formally reopen the Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks to the community.

The two parks provide 16 acres of public space extending for more than a mile along the Elliott Bay shoreline. A three-year restoration and revitalization effort has created a new greenway providing more access to water and other amenities.

“The Suquamish Tribe is happy to take part in celebrating the re-opening of Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks and appreciate being part of the design process. Our tribe’s Culture Committee suggested the name haʔłali for the new park building which means ‘the good place’ in Lushootseed, the mother language of Suquamish,” said Forsman, referring to a new parks’ facility offering food and beverage vendors, as well as restrooms.

“This transformation of the waterfront has indeed made it a good place for reflection, recreation, and learning more about our ancestral waters,” added Forsman.

Some 74,000 new plants – including more than 1,000 trees – now line the greenway. Existing beaches have expanded and access improved.

Bike trails and pedestrian paths have also gotten a glow-up, including lighting on the bike trail, pavement repairs, regrading and new maps and wayfinding. Children of all ages will be thrilled to find a new exploration area, as well as natural wood seating and picnic tables throughout.