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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Danny Woo International District Community Garden

A 1.5-acre sanctuary of terraced plots and fruit trees in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, founded in 1975 to support elderly residents and foster community ties.

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Danny Woo International District Community Garden
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the Danny Woo International District Community Garden known for?

It is the largest green space in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, featuring a steeply terraced 1.5-acre site with nearly 100 garden plots and over 60 mature fruit trees.

What are the hours and admission costs?

Admission is free, and the garden is open to the public from dawn until dusk.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, a Children's Garden was created in 2008 specifically to pass gardening knowledge from elders to younger generations.

Where is it located and is there parking?

The garden is located at 620 South Main Street, Seattle, WA 98104. There is no on-site parking, but the closest free parking is at 221 6th Avenue South.

What is the history of the garden?

Founded in 1975 by Asian American activists on land once used as a hillside cemetery, the garden was built on property owned by Danny Woo. It was later renamed in his honor after his death.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Danny Woo International District Community Garden is the largest green space serving Seattle's Chinatown-International District. Founded in 1975, this 1.5-acre site was transformed from a hillside cemetery and steep undeveloped land into a productive community resource. The project was driven by Asian American activists and the nonprofit InterIm Community Development Authority (CDA), who negotiated with local business owner and community leader Danny Woo and his wife Wilma Woo to convert their property into a community space. Through a private-public partnership facilitated by 'Uncle' Bob Santos, the garden combined Danny Woo's private land with a city-owned park called Kobe Terrace. Today, the steeply terraced hillside is managed by InterIm CDA and features nearly 100 garden plots and over 60 mature fruit trees. Elderly gardeners from China, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam cultivate these plots, growing affordable, healthy food and maintaining cultural ties through agriculture. To ensure the tradition of gardening is passed down, a Children's Garden was established in 2008. This dedicated space allows elders to share their knowledge with younger generations. The garden also serves as a central gathering hub for the neighborhood, hosting annual events like an apple cider pressing party and a summer pig roast to foster connection among residents. Named in honor of Danny Woo after his passing, the garden stands as a testament to community activism and the preservation of cultural heritage in the heart of the heart of the city's International District.

Visitor tips

  • The garden is free and open from dawn until dusk.
  • Since there is no on-site parking, the closest free parking is located at 221 6th Avenue South.
  • Visit during a community event like the summer pig roast or cider pressing party if your schedule allows.

Nearby context

Located at 620 South Main Street, the garden is a peaceful retreat within the bustling Chinatown-International District, providing a vital green lung for the neighborhood's residents.

Sources

Evidence and links