Seven Hills Park in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood reopened to the public Thursday after being closed for several months. City crews carried out a comprehensive cleanup and renovation at the request of local residents. Work included pressure-washing surfaces, updating landscaping, removing graffiti, mowing lawns, weeding and fully replacing trash and recycling bins.
The drastic measures followed numerous neighbor complaints about long-term homeless encampments that made the park difficult to access and unsafe. Residents reported incidents of antisocial behavior, threats and acts of violence, as well as drug use on the premises. Some linked the increase in tent encampments to the proximity of a hospital and a rehabilitation center. The issue was particularly acute for nearby daycares, which could not use the park as they had before the pandemic.
Now, after the renovation, the park has not only restored its recreational function but will also be one of the stops on a new neighborhood walking route called the “Healthy Capitol Hill Walk.” In addition, by summer the site is expected to receive fitness equipment for people and dogs, along with other natural landscaping elements. Similar improvements are planned for several other Seattle parks.
Based on: Seven Hills Park on Seattle’s Capitol Hill reopens after cleanup