UPDATE: What was César Chávez Park in South Park is now nameless, city announces; suggestions sought for new name

| South Park | West Seattle news

(Image from Google Maps Street View)

12:42 PM: Just announced by Mayor Katie Wilson‘s office, what was César Chávez Park in South Park will be renamed, and the accused-of-abuse labor leader’s name will be removed effective immediately. From the announcement:

In response to the allegations of sexual abuse recently reported against César Chávez, the City of Seattle and King County have agreed to remove his name from the park located in the South Park neighborhood, effective immediately. This action comes at the urging of City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda.

The City and County stand with the survivors who have come forward and are committed to ensuring that our public spaces reflect the values of dignity, safety, and justice that our communities hold. Working in close partnership with community members and local organizations, the City and County will lead an inclusive process to rename the park.

The announcement quotes Councilmember Rinck, whose council seat represents the entire city, as saying, “Renaming César Chávez Park is not simply about changing signage, it’s about redefining who we choose to honor in shared public spaces and how those choices reflect our values as we are forced to reexamine history.” The park, dedicated in 2008, is at 700 S. Cloverdale [map]. Its webpage already has been removed from the city website.

2:58 PM: And now, just a few hours later, Seattle Parks has announced it’s accepting suggestions for the park’s new name. From the announcement:

… SPR invites community members to submit potential park names to the Parks Naming Committee for consideration.

The Parks Naming Committee evaluates proposed names using criteria outlined in the City’s Park Naming Policy. The committee may consider names that reflect:

The history of the land
Distinct natural or geological features
The park’s geographical location
Historical or cultural significance
Under the Park Naming Policy, facilities may also be named after a person if two primary conditions are met: the individual has been deceased for a minimum of three years, and they made a significant contribution to parks, recreation, or culture in the local community. …

Suggestions can be sent via email – PKS_BPRC@seattle.gov is the address.

wsn00b March 24, 2026 (4:33 pm)

WSEA Light Rail Extension Memorial Park ?

WSB March 24, 2026 (5:11 pm)

Light rail wasn’t going anywhere near South Park, so I don’t think that would qualify as “meaningful” to the area.

bolo March 24, 2026 (5:16 pm)

This one’s easy:

Based on The park’s geographical location:

“South Park Park”

Maybe a little too obvious?

Platypus March 25, 2026 (10:40 am)

Its on the west side of south park, so maybe the west South Park park.

Benjamin Lukoff March 24, 2026 (6:46 pm)

Does anyone else think the community should get more than three weeks to submit suggestions? Why not have 700 S Cloverdale Street Park as a temporary measure. This is different from a new park that has been in the making for a while.

Ferns March 30, 2026 (6:43 am)

Coverdale Park sounds great. Not sure we need ages for public comment on this matter. I hope they avoid naming it after another human.

LKT March 24, 2026 (7:59 pm)

That space needs some care.

raywest March 25, 2026 (7:41 am)

Exactly what I was thinking. It’s downright drab and dreary and not very inviting for public use. Now would be a good time to give it a facelift as well as a new name.

I see what they did here March 24, 2026 (8:32 pm)

Considering “Distinct natural or geological features,” how about Dismal Park. Backed up against the embankment for 99 and hemmed by Cloverdale. Locked between roaring freeway traffic and a busy arterial. Looks like a repurposed driveway or parking lot. Is there any less attractive speck of land in the city to backhandedly name for a non-white person?

Lauren March 24, 2026 (9:04 pm)

I emailed to suggest Dolores Huerta Park.

anonyme March 25, 2026 (1:26 pm)

Ms. Huerta herself is against this:https://hoodline.com/2026/03/dolores-huerta-to-sf-keep-my-name-off-your-street-signs/

Lincoln Park Eagle March 25, 2026 (4:56 am)

I suggested John Beal, a Vietnam veteran and a hero for the Duwamish. https://www.historylink.org/File/20578

Chuck Jacobs March 25, 2026 (9:46 am)

After reading his story, I would give a hearty second to naming the park for John Beal.
Josh March 26, 2026 (12:00 am)

I second this. In my youth I volunteered with John helping to try to maintain a creek that had its headwaters destroyed by the fire training facility overlooking South Park. He was very passionate about the health of the Duwamish.

Concord Alumn March 25, 2026 (12:51 pm)

I grew up in South Park and attended Concord. I remember John Beal often visiting and helping us learn more about the neighborhood. He’d also lead field trips out at the Marra Farm and Hamm Creek. This would be a far more appropriate and relvant name honoring someone who dedicated himself to the neighborhood and those in it.

Dale March 25, 2026 (2:51 pm)

Yes, John Beal Park. If he was still alive it would be kept clean. It is currently a sad little park that I’ve never seen used, although I drive past it twice a day.