Jimi Hendrix Park A Reality

GROUNDBREAKING FOR JIMI HENDRIX PARK

After more than three years of planning and fund-raising, groundbreaking for a Seattle park named in honor of hometown rock icon Jimi Hendrix has come to pass.. City officials, park committee volunteers and neighbors celebrated the milestone with a program including music and the ceremonial shovel full of earth at the 2.5-acre park, located adjacent to the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle’s Central District.

Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix and President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, LLC, commented, “Every project endorsed by our family which bears Jimi’s name is meaningful to us, but this park holds special significance. Seattle will always be Jimi’s home. This very area is where Jimi grew up, where his dreams were cultivated and his creative energy awakened, in many ways. So to see this amazing place of beauty, dedicated to Jimi and his artistry, blossom into reality is indescribably fulfilling. Having been involved in each facet of the park’s creation, I can honestly say that this musical garden is a fitting representation of Jimi’s imagination. It is truly inspired.”

Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park, under the auspices of the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation, launched a capital fund-raising campaign in 2012 that raised more than $1 million to finance initial construction. The park plan, supported by a $500,000 Seattle Parks and Green Levy Opportunity Fund Grant, aims to create a vibrant space that celebrates the life, music and legend of Jimi Hendrix

Christopher Williams, Acting Director of Seattle Parks and Recreation remarked, “What a great event – inspiring and fun! The commitment and energy of the Foundation and Friends of Group was apparent and strong. We look forward to continuing our partnership and creating a great new park for the neighborhood, greater community and Jimi Hendrix fans!”

Phase 1 of the park development, designated “Little Wing,” includes a new stairway and entrance at the southeast corner of the park, paved pathways, a chronological timeline of Jimi’s life and career, enhanced landscaping, seatwall benches, ADA accessible walkways, rainwater infiltration gardens and a butterfly garden. The bulk of construction is expected to occur in spring 2015.

With the groundbreaking, a new fund-raising campaign is underway that is aimed toward construction of second phase of the project, including a central shelter and performance space as well as “Shadow Wave Wall,” depicting silhouette images of Jimi Hendrix. Design by Murase Associates of Seattle, the location is expected to draw both local residents and visitors from around the world. At the groundbreaking Scott Murase, design principle with the company, exclaimed, “Let the Experience begin!”

Donors to the project have included Hard Rock International, Fender Musical Instruments, King Conservation District, KISW Radio, Northwest African American Museum, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Seattle Parks Foundation, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Parks and Green Spaces Levy Committee along with numerous private donors.

The mission of the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation is to create a community space inspired by the extraordinary life and musical legacy of Jimi Hendrix – a gathering place for individuals of diverse backgrounds and ages to celebrate cultural heritage, experience community pride, and enjoy innovative educational programming in partnership with the neighboring museum. The park plan envisions a space that will motivate youth and others to explore music and art, and strengthen the cultural pulse of the Emerald City as a primary focal point for multi-cultural events, gatherings, and activities for the community.