Blanche Lavizzo Park (Dr.)

About

Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park is a narrow park that connects S Jackson St. and E Yesler Way. Its many oak, poplar, and other shade trees give the park a sense of seclusion even though there are houses and apartments on its east and west sides. The park also features a large grassy area with picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter, a long shelter house, a bricked open area with benches, and a small amphitheater used for free summertime concerts and plays.

The Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park Play Area was recently renovated in 2023 in partnership with KABOOM!, The CarMax Foundation, The McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development, the Associated Recreation Council, Kindness for Kaneon, the Seattle Conservation Corps and community volunteers. The play area features new play equipment and structures for children of all abilities and ages 2 to 12. 

Another part of the Seattle parks system named for Dr. Lavizzo is the children's water feature at nearby Edwin T. Pratt Park. The Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Water Play Area was built by the community in 1994-1995, using the Neighborhood Matching Fund to hire local African American artists. Designed with African motifs, the play area includes two water columns and three animal sculptures that spray water. On the site is a bronze plaque with an image of Dr. Lavizzo, text, and a poem by Alice Walker. To learn more about Dr. Lavizzo, visit her profile on the History Link website.