Mayor Wilson Directs Seattle Parks and Recreation to Begin Community Process to Rename Jackson Park

Community invited to propose names that reflect the land, its history, and Seattle’s values 

SEATTLE — Today, Mayor Katie Wilson directed Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) to launch a community process to rename Jackson Park in north Seattle. The effort responds to renewed community interest in a name that better reflects the history and cultural significance of the land and the communities it serves. 

“We’ve heard from community members who want to change the name of Jackson Park, and now is the right time to move this conversation forward. With new light rail connections and opportunities to make the park more accessible and welcoming, we should have a park that reflects the values of our city,” said Mayor Wilson. “I’m directing Seattle Parks and Recreation to begin a community naming process to find a name that better reflects this place, its history, and the people who enjoy it.” 

Located at 1000 NE 135th St. in north Seattle, Jackson Park offers a mix of green space, natural areas, walking trails, and recreational opportunities. The park is also home to the Jackson Park Golf Course, which includes an 18-hole course, a nine-hole executive course, a driving range, and practice facilities. 

Jackson Park was named for former President Andrew Jackson, whose legacy includes policies that forcibly displaced Native American peoples from their ancestral lands. Community members have raised concerns about continuing to honor this history through the name of a public park and have called for a name that is more culturally appropriate and reflective of Seattle’s values. 

The naming effort comes as new light rail service and planned pedestrian and bicycle improvements create opportunities to better connect Jackson Park with surrounding neighborhoods. As the City explores ways to improve access and make the park more welcoming, revisiting its name is part of that broader effort.

“With new light rail connections bringing more people to the area, we have an opportunity to welcome more neighbors to Jackson Park and strengthen its connections to the surrounding community,” said Michele Finnegan, Interim Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. “We want to hear from neighbors, park users, and the broader community about what’s working well and opportunities for improvement. Community input will help guide our efforts to make Jackson Park a place where everyone feels safe, welcome, and connected.” 

How to Suggest a New Park Name 

SPR invites community members to submit potential names for consideration through the City’s established Park Naming Policy. The Parks Naming Committee will evaluate suggestions based on criteria that include: 

• Distinctive natural or geological features 

• The park’s geographical location 

• Historical or cultural significance 

Under the Park Naming Policy, parks may also be named after an individual who has been deceased for at least three years and made a significant contribution to parks, recreation, or culture in the local community. 

SPR encourages community members to consider names that reflect the unique history, cultural significance, and natural characteristics of the area, including its Indigenous history and connections to the land. 

The Parks Naming Committee will review public suggestions and submit a recommendation to the Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent, who has the authority to make the final naming decision. 

Community members are encouraged to submit potential names in writing by Monday, December 14, 2026. Each submission should include a brief explanation of the proposed name and how it aligns with the City’s park naming criteria. 

Suggestions may be sent by email to PKS_BPRC@seattle.gov or by mail to: 

Seattle Parks and Recreation Parks Naming Committee 100 Dexter Ave. N Seattle, WA 98109 

The complete Park Naming Policy is available at: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/plans-and-reports/planning-and-policy-library#parknamingpolicy 

Additional Opportunities for Community Engagement 

SPR will also launch a community survey to better understand how people use Jackson Park and their experiences visiting the park. The survey will focus on everyday park conditions and opportunities for improvement, including safety, cleanliness, trail conditions, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods. SPR will share the survey through its blog, social media channels, and signs with QR codes posted throughout the park. Park users and neighbors in surrounding communities are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives. 

Community members are also invited to attend Community Swing, an event hosted by SPR and Troon Golf on Saturday, November 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Jackson Park Golf Course, 1000 NE 135th St. The event will feature free 10-minute golf lessons, free use of Toptracer, club fittings, music, face painting, discounted green fees, and BBQ food specials. 

SPR staff will host a table where community members can learn about the park naming process, access the online survey, share feedback directly with staff, and participate in an interactive mapping exercise focused on park use, access, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods. 

For more information about Community Swing, visit https://www.seattlegolf.com/jacksonpark

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.