First Hill Park

First Hill Park is a cherished green space in the heart of the First Hill neighborhood. Located just north of the Stimson-Green Mansion at the corner of Minor Avenue and University Street, it is .25 acres of contemplative green space frequented by residents and workers. Established to provide a peaceful retreat in a dense, urban area, the park has long served as a gathering space for residents, visitors, workers, and community events.

First hill park remodel of 2021

First Hill Park originally opened in 1987 and underwent a community led renovation beginning in 2016. FHIA secured grant funding from the Department of Neighborhoods and hired landscape architects at SiteWorkshop to guide First Hill through a neighborhood visioning and design process. You can read the full report from that process. Funding for the redevelopment was secured through Swedish Medical Center’s Expansion and Seattle’s Parks and Recreation. Construction for the redevelopment of First Hill Park was completed in January of 2021.

sculpture in First Hill Park

Georgia Gerber, well known for the iconic Rachel the Pig at Pike Place Market, as well as many bronze sculptures located in and around Puget Sound, was contracted by First Hill Improvement Association to create a sculpture for First Hill Park as part of the 2021 remodel. Historically, the neighboring Stimson-Green Mansion was home to two orphaned black bear cubs, which is the inspiration for this sculpture. Around 1910, a logger came to the front door of the Stimson-Green Mansion, holding a baby bear in each hand.  Raised in the mansion until they were about 10 months old, the bear cubs were considered to be pets of the Bullitt family.  

First Hill Improvement Association (FHIA) created a national call for artists, received over fifty submissions and selected Georgia Gerber’s concept for her playful interpretation of the bear cubs. A Northwest artist, Georgia has operated her own studio and foundry on Whidbey Island for over 30 years.  Primarily working with life size animal and human figures, Georgia often incorporates architectural or abstract elements into her designs. Georgia’s creations emphasize accessible public artwork that encourages viewer interaction.

When Georgia was working on preliminary models, she told the selection committee, “Seldom do opportunities such as this come along that so wholly incorporate those aspects of public art that I find most important and inspiring as an artist. I look forward to bringing to life the story of these bear cubs in a way that will enhance the park and delight the community for generations to come.”

$20K in maintenance funds in 2025

The First Hill community rallied again in 2024, in grateful support of Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth’s proviso for $20,000 of maintenance funds for First Hill Park in the 2025 city’s budget. These funds were earmarked by the Seattle City Council, and the First Hill neighborhood looks forward to working in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation to repair broken sprinklers, replant foliage, and rejuvenate our neighborhood oasis this year.