Seattle’s César Chávez Park, which had its name removed in March after explosive allegations of sexual abuse surfaced against the late farm-labor activist, has a new name: Parque Libertad. Seattle Parks and Recreation approved the name for the space, which is located in the South Park neighborhood, according to a news release from the agency.
The park, which was formally dedicated in 2008, is owned by King County and managed by Seattle Parks. “Libertad (‘freedom’) is a universal value that reflects the enduring pursuit of civil rights, equality and opportunity for all,” Seattle Parks and Recreation Interim Superintendent Michele Finnegan said in a news release.
“Parque Libertad honors the many individuals and communities who have advanced justice throughout Seattle’s history while creating a welcoming, inclusive place that celebrates freedom, belonging and civic participation for future generations,” she added. The name Parque Libertad was chosen after members of the public submitted suggestions to the Parks Naming Committee, according to the news release.
In March, a New York Times investigation revealed allegations that Chávez — who died in 1993 — raped Dolores Huerta, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, and also sexually abused girls.
Here’s an article about it from the South Seattle Emerald (written by people who actually live in the neighborhood); https://southseattleemerald.org/news/2026/08/26/beacon-hill-garden-drops-cesar-chavezs-name-as-south-park-weighs-park-renaming
At El Centro, the garden had a banner that bore Chavez’s name. Veronica Gallardo, the director of facilities and cultural events at El Centro, said that after news of the allegations broke, his name was covered with tape, upon which someone wrote, “We stand with Dolores.”
When the banner was altered, Gallardo said El Centro knew something needed to be done, so the organization removed the name and started thinking about what to call the garden.
“You have to really be thoughtful in the process,” Gallardo said.
At first, Gallardo said El Centro considered naming the garden after Huerta but ultimately settled on “El Centro Demonstration Garden” because it better represented the local community.
“The demonstration garden is a community garden, so it was really important for us to just rename it ‘El Centro Demonstration Garden,’ because that’s what it is.”
Thank you so much for linking this! It’s a good read.
Renaming it to “Parque Libertad” is fucking rich for a city like Seattle
Why?
Why is that rich? Can you explain?
It’s certainly better than allowing the park to be called César Chávez Park.
