MLK Day volunteers' service efforts breathes new life into Interlaken park

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A piece of Interlaken Park was revitalized Monday as over 40 student volunteers joined together for a day of service to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Partnering with Green Seattle and the Friends of Interlaken Park, the volunteers--who were primarily University of Washington students working as part of a city-wide project--cleared an estimated 1750 square feet of invasive blackberry and ivy plants and resurfaced the area with at least 30 cubic yards of fresh mulch. While the 6-hour project transformed the area, this effort is the first step in a three part renewal plan. After Monday's removal, the park stewards will continue to maintain the space until it is ready for a replanting of native, natural plant species. Kari Olson, the lead steward for Interlaken Park, was pleased to see such a large turn out on what would normally be a day off for students. With so many, she said, "We can see our efforts really paying off."

See for yourself how the space was changed in the slideshow below of the event.