Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground Wins 2023 ASLA Northern California Chapter Merit Award for Urban Design

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A result of co-creation, Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground and Clubhouse is a fully accessible, modern playground and clubhouse that embraces the park’s meaning as a social heart for the neighborhood, a source of wellness and learning, and a place entwined with the identity of a Chinese American community that extends throughout the city and beyond.

Ideas

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Democratic Public Space

ideas

In ancient Greek cities, the agora brought people together in the same space for daily life, including commerce, politics, and social interaction. This was at a time when the European idea of democracy, or “people power” was conceived. There is a direct relationship between people sharing space with one another and caring about one another. Inclusive public space that brings together diverse people from all walks of life is more important than ever for sustaining democracy.

Places

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Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground

parks/public space

Willie ‘Woo Woo’ Wong Playground is one of Chinatown’s few historic, significant outdoor spaces. As the only park in the neighborhood for active outdoor recreation, it is used by Chinatown residents of all ages. As one of the nation’s most densely populated urban areas, this renovation of an historical public open space is immensely important.