Flo Ware Park

History and Namesake

Back in 1969, Seattle snagged this little piece of land for $46,000 using Forward Thrust funds. Fast forward to 1982, and it was renamed to honor Florasina "Flo" Ware (1912-1981), a fierce African American community activist who tirelessly fought for children, the elderly, and the poor throughout Seattle.

Features and Amenities

Don't let the compact size fool you! At just 21,600 square feet (0.5 acres), this pocket park packs in plenty of fun. Kids can climb and slide on the modern play equipment, complete with that spongy safety surface that makes falls a lot less painful (parents, you know what we're talking about!).

The half basketball court offers a space for basketball enthusiasts. There are also several benches scattered about and open lawn space excellent for soaking up some rare Seattle sunshine or just chilling with a book. The chess board tables do double-duty as picnic spots, and yes, there's even a barbecue grill if you're feeling ambitious about your outdoor dining experience.

Art and Community Connection

Thanks to the Leschi Community Council's renovation efforts, the park has gotten some serious TLC in recent years. Funded through a mix of city grants, foundation support, private donations, and good old-fashioned volunteer power, these improvements have added character to this neighborhood space. Look for the beautiful mosaics created by students from Coyote Central, and take a moment to read Flo's inspirational quotes embedded right in the walkway.

Community Use

This park functions as a neighborhood gathering place, regularly used by local kids and students from nearby schools. Every May, the Leschi Community Council hosts a community potluck here to honor Flo's legacy - a fitting tribute to a woman who brought people together.

Note that there are no public restrooms available in the park, so plan accordingly. You can easily reach the park via Metro bus route 14.