PARKS

The Big Finn area is defined by a system of parks that, within just a few square miles, showcase Western Washington’s rich diversity of terrain, wildlife, woodlands and natural areas.  Our parks are an integral part of the Denny Creek watershed, so preserving and maintaining a healthy park ecosystem is one of DCNA’s priorities. Every year, DCNA and neighborhood volunteers dedicate hundreds of hours to assisting state and regional agencies in monitoring the health of woodlands and waterways and restoring trails and replanting native tree and plant species.

Accomplishments and Ongoing Projects

Finn Hill Park and Recreation District

O.O. Denny Park, named for Orion Denny (1853-1916), son of Seattle founder Arthur Denny, is located on Holmes Point along the northern shores of Lake Washington. Originally the Denny family’s country estate, the property was willed to the City of Seattle in 1916 by Helen Denny to become a public park named in memory of her husband. Seattle continues to own the park and for years has been managed by King County.

Volunteers clear brush and tree limbs at O.O. Denny Park

In 2001, a $52 million shortfall in the King County budget led to the closing of 52 parks, including O.O. Denny Park.  DCNA responded by forming a local park and recreation district, as authorized in State law, with tax authority adequate for the park’s proper maintenance and operation. Once again, the community responded with an outpouring of volunteerism and support, with hundreds of residents volunteering time and energy to help secure the signatures needed to place the measure on the ballot. On November 5th, 2002, the Finn Hill Park and Recreation District was approved by 72% of district voters–one of the most successful endorsements in that year’s election.

Today, under agreement with the City of Seattle, the park is managed by Finn Hill residents under the authority of the Finn Hill Park and Recreation District. The commissioners are Kristen Lloyd, Frank Smith, Frank Radford, Matthew Pruitt, and Chris Johnson.

Trail Maintenance

More than 25 miles of maintained trails weave and connect across parks on and around Finn Hill. DCNA volunteers organize work parties every year, often in collaboration with organizations such as the Evergreen Mountain Bike, to  Alliance, to build and improve hiking and biking trails, as well as retire overused trails and restore adjacent natural areas.