Sam Smith Park

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HOURS

4 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

ABOUT THE PARK

Sam Smith Park comprises the largest and most central part of the I-90 lid, with a play area for children, picnic tables, and tennis courts. The park includes Blue Dog Pond, a detention pond that serves as one of Seattle’s off-leash areas for dogs, and Urban Peace Circle, a sculpture by Seattle sculptor Gerard Tsutakawa, dedicated to children killed by gun violence in Seattle’s inner city.

HISTORY

The central portion of the I-90 lid, this park was named Sam Smith Park in September 1998. Sam Smith (1922–1995), in the course of a political career that spanned 34 years and spawned countless legends, served five terms in the Washington State Legislature and five terms on the Seattle City Council. He was the first black member of the City Council and only the second black member of the State Legislature. He is remembered for his many efforts to promote social justice and to bridge the cultural and political gulf that separated Seattle’s black and white communities.

Based on nominations from citizens, the Washington Black Heritage Society, and the Urban League of Greater Seattle, this portion of the I-90 lid was named Sam Smith Park in September 1998. The Urban League noted that Smith’s “ability to bring together people, with different and often competing interests, during difficult times, is legendary. This park…is the ideal symbol of his collaborative spirit and commitment to all people.”

> more about Sam Smith at HistoryLink.org

DIRECTIONS

BY BUS

> Plan a trip to Sam Smith Park

BY CAR

From I-5 northward:

• Merge onto I-90 E via exit number 164A toward SPOKANE.
• Take the RAINIER AVE S exit (exit number 3).
• Turn RIGHT onto RAINIER AVE S/WA-167.
• Turn LEFT onto S MASSACHUSETTS ST.
• Turn LEFT onto MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WAY S.
• End at 1400 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WAY S.

From I-5 southward:

• Merge onto I-90 E via exit number 164 toward BELLEVUE/SPOKANE.
• Take the RAINIER AVE S exit- exit number 3.
• Turn RIGHT onto RAINIER AVE S/WA-167.
• Turn LEFT onto S MASSACHUSETTS ST.
• Turn LEFT onto MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WAY S.
• End at 1400 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WAY S.