A RESOLUTION supporting the renaming of “International Children’s Park” to “Donnie Chin International Children’s Park.”
The bill passes and the chair will sign it. Next report is a report of the Parks, Seattle Center, Libraries and Waterfront Committee. Please read the report. The report at the Park Seattle Center Libraries and Waterfront Committee Agenda Item two Resolution 316 70 Supporting and Renaming of International Children's Park to Johnny Chan International Children's Park. The committee recommends the resolution be adopted. Councilmember Worse Thank you, Madam President. I believe I have three matters before you today, but I'll begin with the Donnie Chin International Children's Park. The renaming of this park for Donnie Chin is a wonderful tribute to a very special man, a community leader. I want to thank the family and friends who are present here today for the celebration of the life and legacy of Donnie Chin. Although the city has a rule that we we typically wait three years before naming the park, after someone who has passed this exception is quite fitting for a man who never hesitated to give back to his community. I'd like to say a few more words about Donnie Chin, and then I would invite my fellow council members if they feel like sharing a few words. Donnie Chan was born in Seattle, Washington, in October 1955 to Don Chin and Myra Chin. Donnie was taught the importance of hard work in community service. In 1968, Donnie formed the International District Emergency Center, the IDC, because he believed the police and fire departments were slow to respond, dialer and first aid and trained others. He listened to the police radios and to be first on the scene. Over the years, he earned the respect of both the Seattle Police Department and Fire Departments. All of his services provided were provided free of charge. IDC depended on donations to survive. Donnie responded to thousands of emergencies, medical and emotional traumas, fires, shootings, assaults, car accidents, break ins, water leaks, power outages dying to all the elders, many with no families to speak of. He looked out for them while they were alive and when they died alone, and he was often there for them. Donnie created a safe place for children to play when both parents worked. He fed them and taught them right from wrong. Many of those children stayed on to become volunteers for IDC. Donnie received countless awards for his service but was embarrassed by the attention and often would only accept an award if IDC. Oh I'm sorry. Or if I if IDC needed the donation. Donnie was the heart and soul of the international district and the city of Seattle. He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, mentor, surrogate, father and uncle. He will be remembered for his selfless devotion to his community, his humble nature, his sense of humor and generous heart and love of children. I'm proud today as we as a city, we as a city have the opportunity to honor such an amazing man, Mr. Donnie Chin. At this time, I'd like to invite any of my fellow council members who would like to share any thoughts. Customer basher. Thank you. It's Donny's family here today. Oh, thank you. You're in the back of the very back robe. Thank you for coming. Last week, I know many of the words were saying today is what we said to you last week. But personally, I just want to say thanks and how I remember that man. He took me out in early 2009 and then most recently at midnight, walking through the international district. So I could see what he saw. And what impressed me most is how many people just came up to him, even at that very late hour, thanked him for being there, appreciated so much who he was and what he brought to the community. So I just want to say again to you how much we appreciate him, how much I know the community loved him, and to thank you for being here again and being part of that cosmic. BURGESS Thank you. Councilmember Juarez, I think mentioning Donnie's love of kids and some of those children growing up and helping and volunteering with him and others really makes renaming this park after Danny and his memory very fitting. I remember walking the international district with him. We used to tease Danny that, you know, you like doing this so much once you joined the police department and you can do it all the time. And he used to privately tell us, Oh, I'm better than them. So. But a great man who gave his life in service to our city, but especially to the Chinatown International District. Neither. Comments. Thank you. Those in favor of adopting the resolution vote i. I. Those opposed vote no. The motion carries, the resolution is adopted and the chair will sign it. Report. Report of the Affordable Housing Neighborhoods and Finance Committee. Please read the. Report. Three and three. First, I think I skipped one of councilmembers as items. Let's go back. To the University Heights Center. Yes, yes. I'm jumping far ahead. Item number three. Agenda item three, Constable 118 691 relating to Parks and Recreation, authorizing the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Department to execute, accept and record a restrictive covenant easement and contract concerning real property on behalf of the City of Seattle.