A park in the South Park neighborhood that previously bore the name of labor activist César Chávez is now called Parque Libertad — “Freedom Park.” The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department approved the name after the public submitted suggestions. The property belongs to King County but is managed by the city; it officially opened in 2008.
Chávez’s name was removed in March after The New York Times published an investigation containing allegations that he raped Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, as well as allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. Chávez died in 1993. Within a week of the investigation’s publication, King County and Seattle abandoned the former name and announced they were seeking a new one.
According to interim department director Michelle Finnegan, the word “freedom” reflects a commitment to civil rights, equality and opportunity for all. The new name is intended to honor the people and communities that fought for justice throughout Seattle’s history, while emphasizing openness, a sense of belonging and residents’ participation in city life. Dolores Huerta, whose role in the labor movement became especially prominent after the allegations against Chávez, was honored in Washington state in 2019: April 10 was declared Dolores Huerta Day.
Based on: Seattle’s César Chávez Park gets a new name