The Seattle Department of Parks & Recreation invites the public to submit potential names for the newest park in Fremont – the western portion of the Fremont Troll’s Knoll.
Suggestions for names to the Parks Naming Committee must be made in writing by November 16th. Written suggestions must include an explanation of how the submitted name fits the official city naming criteria. Your written name suggestion must sent by e-mail to paula.hoff@seattle.gov, or mailed to:
- Seattle Parks & Recreation
Parks Naming Committee
100 Dexter Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
The Troll’s Knoll Park utilizes existing public land surrounding (but not including) the Fremont Troll sculpture, with landscaping intended to create a sustainable park space and pedestrian link across northern Fremont. The park also includes a P-Patch Community Garden, administered by the Department of Neighborhoods. Funds of $685,000 from the Parks & Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund were used to develop this park, along with incredibly generous donations of time and money, that still continue, from dozens of private citizens, the majority of whom live and work near the park.
The City of Seattle has a website (click here) where they describe the park development. The Friends of Troll’s Knoll also have a Facebook page – and a clean-up planned for the eastern portion of the park on Saturday, October 8th from 10a – 2p. Finally, the Friends have been gifted with grant funds from the Tableau Foundation for continued improvements to the east side – that announcement is also planned for Saturday, on Fremocentrist.com
At this time, Fremocentrist.com has heard no official word from the Friends Of Troll’s Knoll as to whether this hardworking ad hoc group has a formal position on the name. Fremont Peak Park was named by its organizers who asked the public to vote on their choice. The park adjacent to the Fremont Branch Library, called A. B. Ernst Park, was not named by the public – and the name remains a contentious and unpopular feature of this area.
The Parks Naming Policy will be carried out by the Parks Naming Committee, a body comprised of representatives from several city commissions and committees. The Naming Committee will consider geographical location, historic or cultural significance, and natural or geological features when choosing a name. It is to be hoped that iconic public art is considered a cultural significance. The official policy can be seen on the Seattle.gov/Parks website. The Naming Committee will consider submitted suggestions and make a recommendation, with the final decision to be made by Seattle Parks & Recreation Superintendent Jesus Aguirre.
In addition to Troll’s Knoll Park, the City of Seattle Parks Department is seeking name suggestions for the Yesler Neighborhood Park, a gathering place for current and future residents of Yesler Terrace, funded through private and public sources at a total of over $4 million. More information on this park can be found on the Seattle.gov/parks website.
Please plan to share your ideas about what we might call the Troll’s Knoll into the future – and stay tuned in the next week for word from the Friends of Troll’s Knoll to find out if they have an official suggestions to put forward.