Hing Hay Park

Summary: Hing Hay Park is nestled in the heart of the Chinatown-International District Neighborhood. In 2018 the community celebrated the park expansion, renovation and new iconic artistic gateway. The award-winning park doubled in size and includes a cultural performance space, with custom integrated seating. Terrace-like stairs lead down from the Maynard Street side of the park to a red brick square with an ornate Grand Pavilion designed and constructed in Taipei, Taiwan, which is the focal point for the east side of the park. Artwork on an adjacent building features a dragon in a depiction of Asian-American history in the Northwest. Beyond the Grand Pavilion stretches the expanded park plaza with flowering trees, cafe tables, and decorative staircases featuring lighted Asian iconic figures. Outdoor fitness equipment provides exercise spots against the bright yellow privacy wall. In 2019, an artistic lantern designed and crafted by George Lee was installed. Celebrate Happiness is engraved on the lantern and projected from the lantern in many languages. Hing Hay literally translates to “Celebrate Happiness Public Park” and figuratively translates in to “Park for Pleasurable Gatherings,” the park honors both these translations. Hing Hay Park is a popular for martial arts practitioners, quiet morning meditations, a meeting place for local families, and the center of many festivals, including annual Lunar New Year and Summer Dragonfest celebrations.