Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park

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HOURS

6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

ABOUT THE PARK

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 with fireplace, a long shelter house, a bricked open area with benches, and a small amphitheater used for free summertime concerts and plays.

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. Blanch 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.

HISTORY

In October 1991, the Yesler Atlantic Pedestrian Pathway was renamed the Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park in honor of Blanche Sellers Lavizzo (1925–1984), the first medical director of Odessa Brown Clinic for children. Dr. Lavizzo served the people of Seattle and especially the Central Area, and coined the clinic’s motto, “Quality care with dignity.”

> more about of Blanche Lavizzo at Historylink.org