Who's Myrtle Edwards?

My daily downtown waterfront run takes me past the ticky-tack piers and the trolley garage into lovely Myrtle Edwards Park. Who was Myrtle Edwards and how can I thank her?

Myrtle Edwards was a longtime Seattle City Councilwoman who served from 1955 until her tragic death in a car accident in 1969. She worked hard for Seattle parks--including heading up the acquisition of what would become Gas Works Park, thus transforming an industrial-waste eyesore into one of Seattle's iconic green spaces.

Myrtle Edwards Park was so named in 1976; before that it was Elliott Bay Park. The city originally proposed naming Gas Works for her, but her family objected once they learned that the plant would remain standing.

Seattlest loves Myrtle Edwards Park for its true mixed-use feel. Runners, cyclists, walkers, fishermen, hangers-out, and the homeless share the park. Views to the west showcase the Sound and the Olympics; to the east, busy train tracks and the south slope of Queen Anne. The path winds underneath the grain elevator's conveyor-belt and there are often interesting birds gathered near the large ships getting loaded up with grain. We even saw a sea lion once. As you head north, you leave the park and enter Port of Seattle land--an even funkier mix of freight trains, fishing boats, and bike commuters. Good stuff.

Access to the park can be confusing--we find the Port of Seattle guide helpful, although it requires Adobe Reader.

As for ways to thank Ms. Edwards, Seattlest suggests volunteering for the city's parks.