Seawolves Star Experiences Tukwila

Our good friend and Seattle Seawolves legend, Eric Duechle recently tried his hand at packing as many Tukwila-themed experiences as he could into a single day. He got pretty far. But honestly, it only scratched the surface of what our amazing city has to offer. 

Follow along, as Eric attempts the #TukwilaInADayChallenge.

First up, Green Tukwila Day at the Duwamish Hill Preserve. On a beautiful blue-sky November day, Eric joined a group of volunteers to help spruce up this local treasure. A place of deep cultural significance, Duwamish Hill Preserve has been stewarded by Indigenous communities that have called this area home since time immemorial. Expounding upon this fact was Ken Workman, Tribal Council Member and descendant of Chief Seattle.

Next on the schedule was Mayweather Boxing + Fitness. Eric met up with Jen and Miracle to jump into the ring and get a closer look at how Tukwila trains. The studio offers four different styles of classes throughout the week formulated with the perfect combination of boxing, strength, and cardio conditioning.

Rounding out the day was a stop at one of Tukwila’s most popular bar and grills, Billy Baroo’s. Surrounded by friends and bipedal whale mascots, Eric toasted to a day full of wonderful new experiences. 

How do you think Eric did? Could you fit more Tukwila experiences into your day? Give your best shot, and don’t forget to let us know how it goes on social media. 

Best of luck!

Super Mario’s Tukwila Roots

One of the most recognized video game characters of all time got his start in one of the most unlikely of places. Mario, the famous plumber turned princess-saving superhero, is a direct descendant of a local Tukwila tradesman turned tradesman and real estate developer.

Mario A. Segale was born in Seattle on April 30th, 1934. He grew up on the southside, where he attended Highline High School, and eventually started his own construction business after purchasing a single dump truck. A clever businessman, Mario made a name for himself by growing his initial investment into a construction and real estate empire. While building his fortune in the early 1980s, Mario made another key investment that would eventually shape his legacy in ways he never could have imagined.  

A small start-up video game company in Seattle trying to break into the growing market rented space from Mario. The story goes, employees of the company (called Nintendo of America) were struggling to come up with a name for a certain plumber-themed character featured in their now classic video game, Donkey Kong. After many failed attempts to capture his likeness, the creators finally noticed the physical resemblance between their little 8-bit superhero and the landlord collecting the month’s rent. “Mario” stuck and history was made. Although the real Mario never really leaned into his connection to the widely successful video game franchise, he did once jokingly mock the creators for not offering any royalties. 

Years later, Hollywood is adapting the story of this little plumber from Tukwila enlisting the help of another Seattle area local, Chris Pratt. Releasing on April 5th, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a star-studded affair that’s already garnered massive hype. 

And what better way to celebrate this pivotal moment in Mario’s history than by watching the movie at Westfield Southcenter’s AMC in the very city where the story first began? Not only that, but Tukwila’s video game culture is still going strong.

After catching the film, continue the celebration at one of our many gaming centers, including:

Legacy Gaming

This local arcade gaming lounge hosts a variety of top-of-the-line gaming experiences. Play your favorites on traditional consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC, or step into the next generation with virtual reality gaming. You can also turn back time and play some of your favorite classics like Mario, Pong, and thousands of other foundational games. 

 

Dimension XR

Gaming has changed immensely since Mario first popped onto the scene and the thrill of exploring virtual worlds has only gotten more intense. At Dimension XR, experience the next evolution of gaming and get a glimpse of what the future has in store through dynamic virtual reality gameplay.

 

Sykart Indoor Racing

And of course, celebrating Mario wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to one of the character’s most iconic spinoffs: Mario Kart. Although banana peels are not allowed, Tukwila’s own Sykart is the closest thing to bringing the high-powered action of Mario Kart to life. Gather your friends, dress as your favorite character, and step on it.

 

The Seawolves Teach Us Rugby 101

If you couldn’t tell from the bazillion posts about The Seawolves, we’re kind of obsessed. So much so that we took to the field with our friends over at Explore Seattle Southside to get an up close and personal look at this incredible sport. Read up on the experience and get amped for the start of the 2023 season. 

“You’re not afraid of heights are you?” 

Not exactly the type of reassurance I was looking for after just volunteering myself to be vaulted fifteen feet in the air by two giant strangers who tackle other giant strangers for a living. That didn’t matter though. Before I could think it through, they grabbed my legs, lifted me up, and signaled for another giant stranger to throw a rugby ball towards my face. Reacting more on reflex than skill, I instinctively reached out and caught the ball just before impact. Overjoyed that I avoided catastrophe.

“Nice catch, ” the coach congratulated me as I landed back on my own two feet. 

“But you forgot to pass it to the nine.” 

Communication is everything in rugby. Kees Lensing, lead performance analyst for the Seattle Seawolves, will be the first to tell you that. He takes no restraint in reminding everyone of this essential aspect of the game he loves. Originally from Namibia, Kees has traveled the world as a professional rugby player and coach. He appeared in two world cup events and was captain of the Namibia national team for a number of seasons. Nowadays, Kees is helping lead the Seawolves to Major League Rugby championships while also helping educate the general American public on this exciting game. 

As part of their initiative to grow attendance and local interest in the game, Kees, along with Seawolves head coach Allen Clarke, invited folks from Explore Seattle Southside and Experience Tukwila to come learn the ins and outs of rugby and share it with our audiences. A chance to play rugby with professional rugby players? It was a no-brainer. 

On an unusually sunny and warm morning, we met out on the Starfire pitch, most of us without a clue of what to expect next. After introductions and a brief overview of rugby basics, the whistle blew and we set off back and forth across the grass going through a variety of warm-up drills. Talking about rugby is one thing, but to truly understand what the game is about, you need to dive in head first. 

The coach tossed us a few rugby balls and told us to partner up.

I linked up with one of the Seawolves players and got a crash course in spin passing. What looks like a pretty simple motion from afar is actually much more technical than I expected. When you pass in rugby you have to essentially lob the ball to your teammates, but it has to be either a diagonal pass or a backward pass; forward passes are not allowed. After struggling to get a proper spin on the ball while tossing to my right, we switched sides and that’s when it all started to click. Tossing a rugby ball feels very foreign, especially for someone who grew up in a state where football reigns supreme. It’s almost twice the size of a football and less angular, almost like tossing some kind of hollow gourd. Once you get the hang of it and nail that perfect spiral it’s surprisingly fun, and I would have been totally satisfied just tossing the ball back and forth for the remainder of the morning. But that wasn’t the plan. 

The whistle blew again and now came our ultimate test—a real rugby match. Well, not exactly a real rugby match, more like a truncated version of rugby without the tackling and organized play structure. But it was the perfect way to get a feel for the flow of the game. In rugby, it’s all about constant movement. Playing this simplified version of rugby is meant to encourage new players to always be on the move, to feel the rhythm of tossing, catching, and running. As we scrambled back and forth across the pitch, I quickly gained an appreciation for the no-overhand throwing rule. Lobbing the ball to teammates requires you to be much more creative with your passing. You have to find clever ways to thread the needle between the sea of players.

After the final score, or as they call it in rugby, the final “try,” it was time to gather round and learn a little more about what actual rugby gameplay involves. So let’s walk through some of the highlights and learn a little rugby 101 terminology:

Scrum

First up was the “scrum.” Kees called on a few Seawolves players and within moments they were locked together arm in arm in a mass of muscle. You’ve probably seen the sight before, two walls of players pushing against each other with incredible force. A scrum is one of the defining characteristics of rugby. Similar to a faceoff, once the two groups are pressed against each other, another player rolls the ball underneath the web of bodies. A player called a “hooker” then uses his feet to grab the ball like a hook and kick it back toward the rest of his team. According to Kees, at any one time during a scrum, the hooker is experiencing upwards of 2,000 lbs of force per square inch on their upper body. With all that force focused on one person, it’s imperative that the other players are there to support. That’s what the majority of the players in the scrum are there for. It takes a horde of people just to protect the hooker as they fight for possession. For obvious reasons, we were not asked to participate. 

Breakdown

Next up was the “breakdown.” A breakdown occurs immediately after a player is tackled and requires rapid-fire reflexes from both teams. The player who is tackled must remain on the ground with the ball and the player who tackled must roll to the side out of the way. Then it’s up to other players from both teams not involved in the initial tackle to rush toward the down player and attempt to get the ball. The down player attempts to contort their body in such a way that protects the ball from the defensive players while providing an opening for their teammates to grab it. But the offensive players can’t simply run to the downed player from any direction, they must enter through a tiny invisible area called the “gate” which is defined by the position of the downed player’s body. Offensive players enter through this small area and quickly set up a wall on the downed player, protecting the ball from the opposition and allowing for another player to snatch it up and return to play. If the defensive players get to the downed player first, then they can grab the ball, resulting in a turnover. Confused yet? It’s honestly much more intuitive than it sounds. But apparently, there are even more rules/details about the breakdown that Kees wouldn’t get into because of the complexity. All in all, though, it’s a really impressive display of strategy and muscle.

Lineout 

Lastly was the “lineout.” The lineout is a way of returning the ball into play after it has gone into touch, or what we usually understand as “out of bounds.” This involves a player simply passing the ball into play. One of the most popular methods to receive the ball is to lift a player high into the air out of reach from the defending team. Once again, Kees wrangled a group of Seawolves players to show us how it was done. After running through the routine a few times, Kees asked for volunteers. Realizing that I might not ever get this opportunity again, I raised my hand and took the chance. The Seawolves players lifted me up and tossed the ball. It sounds stupidly simple, but it was actually a pretty disorienting experience. It wasn’t so much a lift into the air as it was a push into the air, almost like a cheerleader jumping up and being held by their feet. Add in a rugby ball spiraling towards your face, plus a group of strangers watching you from below, and it quickly becomes a high-stress moment. What you’re supposed to do after catching the ball is toss it out to an open player. But I simply held onto the ball and celebrated the fact that I both caught the pass and didn’t topple over in the process. After explaining the expectations again, Kees let me go for a second attempt, this time completing a proper pass to the outside player. Go me! 

After finishing up the demonstrations, Kees and the rest of the staff took a moment to explain the many benefits of rugby for communities. “No matter what happens out on this field, I have never left it feeling sad,” Kees explained. Beyond the many fitness benefits of playing the high-intensity sport, rugby also provides a strong sense of connection and camaraderie for players—a key characteristic which Kees sees as necessary personal armor against mental health issues. He, along with the rest of the staff, hope to see the sport grow in not just Seattle, but the entire country, to help provide kids with a hobby that can lead to lifetime friendships as well as provide endless high-action entertainment for sports fans. 

The 2023 MLR season is just around the corner and the Seawolves are poised for another dominant year out on the pitch. Don’t miss out on viewing this exciting game before it inevitably blows up across the country. That way you can say you liked rugby before it was cool.

 

All images courtesy of Explore Seattle Southside.

Tukwila’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

Like promising the dentist you’ll floss better before the next visit, every holiday season you swear to yourself that you’ll be better about shopping next year. But here we are again. It’s mid-December and your gift list is nearly empty of check marks. The days are getting shorter and the holiday music is growing louder. You feel boxed in, much like the many gifts you’ve procrastinated buying should be. Alas, what is that? There on your computer screen, a blue light beacon of hope drawing you near. Yes, of course! The annual Experience Tukwila Gift Giving Guide! 

All is saved with this handy list on your side. Explore the variety of places right here in Tukwila perfect for last minute gift ideas. 

 

FOR THE SPORTY

Urban Warriors: Help kids find their inner warrior and develop crucial physical and coordination skills at Urban Warriors. Choose from a variety of group packages or private lessons for youth! 

Mayweather Boxing and Fitness: There’s only one gift that’s a guaranteed knockout: a class with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness. Step into the ring for a one time 45 minute workout, or go all in with an 8 class per month membership. 

Seawolves Jersey: Get the new kit to up your drip. Seawolves are back with a slick new jersey that’s perfect for every rugby fan. #JoinTheHunt and help rep these hometown heroes. Can you spot the easter egg on the back? Find it in their full team store

OL Reign: For the soccer fan, load up on some OL Reign swag and then swing on over to Starfire Sports to try and get a sneak peek of their practice session starting in 2023. Tukwila is beyond thrilled to be the new host of their official training program. 

Foster Golf Links: Give them some green this holiday. Tukwila’s premiere golf course, Foster Golf Links, is running a Holiday Special now through December 31st.

 

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS 

iFly: Lift others up this holiday season with the gift of flight. Right now you can save up to 35% on flights at Tukwila’s indoor skydiving center, iFly

SyKart: Shift your gift giving into a higher gear with a gift card from Tukwila’s favorite indoor racing park, SyKart. This adrenaline-pumping racing experience is a perfect way for the whole family to battle out the holiday stress. 

Museum of Flight: Celebrate the magic of the holidays with the magic of flight. The Museum of Flight has a hangar full of the perfect gadgets and toys for your favorite aviation enthusiast. Check out their own 2022 holiday gift guide!

 

FOR THE TECHIE 

Dimension XR: Take gift giving to new dimensions with a round of VR Laser Tag at Dimension XR. This premier virtual reality gaming experience is unleashing new ways to have fun together. 

Legacy Gaming: For decades, video games have been at the top of the gift list. So why change that? Take the whole family for an out of this world gaming experience at Legacy Gaming. From retro arcade classics to futurist VR experiences, this local gaming lounge has it all.

 

FOR THE FOODIE

Seattle Chocolates: For that sweet someone, give the gift never fails: chocolate. Right now at the Seattle Chocolate factory, you can stock up on stocking stuffers and gift baskets filled with some of the best holiday treats. 

Oppegaard Mead: Make the holidays epic with a bottle of mead from Oppegaard Meadery located right here in Tukwila. Feeling more adventurous? Take them for an in-person tasting of this legendary drink. 

Spice Bridge Shop: Let’s be real, the best part of the holidays is the food. Keep the feast going with a gift card or tasty treats from Tukwila’s favorite global food hall, Spice Bridge

10 Things To Do in Tukwila in the Rain

AHHHH! WHAT IS THAT?! 

Oh right, rain. 

After what felt like an eternity with that giant mass of fire in the sky, the rain has once again returned to its rightful realm: the Pacific Northwest. And what makes this place so special is how unbothered everyone is by a little water. Simply put, it’s all a matter of perspective. If you fight the rain, you only fight yourself. Accept the rain and you free yourself to enjoy all the amazing things this region has to offer. 

Buuuuuuut, if you really just don’t want to deal with it all, then we have a few recommendations on where to spend a nice rainy PNW day right here in Tukwila. So go ahead, check out our Top 10 Rainy Day Activities in Tukwila!

 

Escape in a Game Room

Does the rain have you wanting to escape to a new reality? Maybe one where you’re not stuck inside seeing daylight rainy skies move into dark rainy skies at 4pm? Then stop by Tukwila’s premier gaming destinations—Dimension XR and Legacy Gaming—and get transported to a new dimension filled with adventure where anything and everything is possible.

 

Get a Thrill at iFly

Feeling couped up inside? We have the perfect place for you: iFly. The indoor skydiving craze has taken over the country, and now you can try it for yourself. Like Superman in training, don the fancy jumpsuit and helmet and then shoot off into the stratosphere* with guidance from one of the skydiving professionals. 

*more like 20 feet, but you can use your imagination.

 

Fill Your Belly at Spice Bridge

Rain + gray = give me cozy comfort food right now. Duck on into one of Tukwila’s most vibrant displays of world cuisines: Spice Bridge. This global food hall is home to immigrants and refugees who bring with them insane culinary talents. With a rotating selection of food businesses, there’s always a new exciting dish to try. It’s the perfect place to cozy up with a hot meal.

 


Hit the Lanes at Bowlero

Bowling is an absolute classic rainy-day activity. So, it should come as no surprise that Tukwila has one of the best bowling spots around, Bowlero. What more do you need to know? It’s bowling. You get it. Ball, lane, pins. Done. Now go do it and have a killer time inside not getting wet.

 

Race at SyKart

There’s a common joke in this area that people don’t know how to drive in the rain even though it’s raining all the time. What that says to me is that more people need to hit the go-kart track for some high-intensity practice. Sykart is the place for all your go-kart needs. Situated right here in Tukwila, it’ll provide the much-needed boost on a gloomy rainy day.

 

Jump Around at Defy

If you hate jumping in puddles, might we recommend jumping into giant pits filled with foam instead. That’s just the start of the fun at Defy, a trampoline park in Tukwila. Foam pits, trampolines, rock walls, basketball, this list goes on. This one-of-a-kind action park is filled with challenges that are fun for the whole family. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t feel the FOAMO. Visit Defy today!

 

Watch a Movie at AMC Southcenter

When it looks like Waterworld outside, it’s best to stay inside and watch a movie… like Waterworld. Research studies show that the best place to watch new movies is in a movie theater, and I definitely didn’t just make that up. Regardless, Tukwila is home to AMC Southcenter, featuring Dolby Cinema and IMAX theaters. Escape the rain and immerse yourself in a story far far away.

 

Stay Active at Mayweather Boxing

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t still stay active. Train like the champion you are at Mayweather Boxing and Fitness. The studio offers four different styles of classes throughout the week formulated with the perfect combination of boxing, strength, and cardo conditioning. Get drenched in sweat, not rain.

 

Visit a Meadery

Breweries are everywhere in the Seattle area. But only a few special places have meaderies. And situated right here in Tukwila is one of the best around, Oppegaard Meadery. Warm your belly and your spirits in this Viking-clad tasting room.

 

Go on a Hike

Okay, you got us. This activity won’t protect you from the rain. In fact, it puts you directly in its path. BUT, hear us out. Taking a walk or run along the Green River Trail or at the Duwamish Hill Preserve in the rain is a really unique activity that many won’t experience. So, if you work up the courage, grab that rain jacket, lace up those boots, and just lean into it.

 

As you can see, Tukwila is filled with all kinds of activities that make a rainy day actually something you will look forward to. So next time the clouds roll in and the rain starts falling, just make your way over to Tukwila to help brighten up your day.

Until then, head on over to our Activities and Events pages to stay up to date on all the exciting things going on in our city.

 

Starfire Welcomes More Champions

The list of professional teams that play and train in Tukwila keeps on growing! Today, the OL Reign announced a multi-year agreement with Starfire Sports. The very fields which have hosted champions of every caliber and represent the fiery spirit of our city will now serve as the OL Reign’s official training site beginning February 2023.

“We are very excited to partner with OL Reign and have the team call Starfire home!” said Starfire Sports President and CEO Ben Oliver. “Partnering with OL Reign is an amazing opportunity for our community, and especially our kids, to witness these world-class athletes and further the soccer experience here and in the greater Seattle area we serve.”

The OL Reign is one of the founding members of the National Women’s Soccer League, which began in 2012. Since then, the team has been busy filling their trophy shelf. In just nine seasons, the OL Reign has made five postseason appearances and taken home the NWSL Shield twice. 

Once they begin their residence at Starfire, the OL Reign will have exclusive access to top-quality fields, training equipment, and locker room space. The partnership will also open up additional opportunities to engage with the youth. Starfire is committed to providing extra field space for OL Reign Academy, a program that will provide more accessible playing opportunities for kids.

“This move is a monumental step for us, and we are excited to call Starfire home and to create a partnership with them to support the community,” said OL Reign CEO Vincent Berthillot. “Along with our move this season to Lumen Field, a priority for us has been to secure a top-level training facility near our new home venue that would support our club, its world-class players, and overall operations as we continue to grow.”

We’re on the cusp of an exciting new era for Starfire Sports and the city of Tukwila. Please help us in welcoming the OL Reign to this one-of-a-kind sports community!

 

HangarFest at The Museum of Flight

On a cool Saturday evening, we made our way to The Museum of Flight for HangarFest. While not my first time at the museum, I was excited to realize that the “hangar” in HangarFest meant that I got to visit an area I’ve never been before: the Charles Simonyi Space Gallery and Aviation Pavilion! We made sure to get there early, so we would have time to check out the displays and interactive exhibits before the main event.

Around 7:00, we made our way out to the hangar for the start of the festivities. The Aviation Pavillion is a more recent addition to the Museum of Flight, having opened in June of 2016, and highlights the drastic development aircraft and commercial airlines underwent from 1930 to today. The three-acre lot features over 15 airplanes, several of which visitors could walk through, from nose to tail.

Peppered throughout the exhibit among all the aircraft were over 25 different breweries, wineries, and distilleries. We talked with many local vendors, including the women-run San Juan Seltzer and a firefighter-run brewery from Lacey – Top Rung Brewing. Many vendors were local, from Lakewood (Valhalla Mead) to Seattle (Republic of Cider) to Anacortes (Anacortes Brewery) to Centralia (Talking Cedar); but some traveled much further, like Lone River Ranch Water from Texas, or JuneShine kombucha and spirits from California. Everyone we spoke with was friendly and excited to share more about their offerings. 

Provided throughout were outdoor games, like cornhole, giant Connect 4, foosball, and giant Jenga; as well as a craft station and photo booth. Outside the hangar, there were a half dozen food trucks, with such tantalizing options that we couldn’t choose just one. We ended up trying a Lumpia plate from the Big Boys Kainan Filipino food truck, based out of Kent, and a chicken cordon-bleu savory meat pie from 314 Pie, which you can find in a variety of locations up and down the I-5 corridor. When I asked how business had been for the event, he simply grinned and gestured at all the empty pie trays on his table.

Back in the hangar, Prom Date Mixtape was blasting a very 80s cover of  “Sunglasses at Night” as we made our way inside a hulking 747. Inside, there was a peek-a-boo floor down to the inner workings below.

Next, we boarded the newest aircraft in the collection, the 787 Dreamliner. The ultra-cush interior even had that new-plane smell. It seemed appropriate to walk through this one last, as it represented the culmination of all the innovations that had come before it to create the ultimate comfort air travel experience. 

We rounded out the night stopping at Letterpress Distilling. The distributor was thrilled for us to make him our last stop before last call. Sipping on a smooth glass of Amaro Amorino Riserva, we took in the last of a night that was nothing short of delightful. It was shocking to think of how little people know about HangarFest. As we look forward to next year’s event, I’m having difficulty deciding whether I want to keep it a secret or invite everyone I know to this party in the “sky.”   

 

Tukwila Village Farmers Market Makes Space for Everyone

On a warm Wednesday afternoon, I made my way down to the Tukwila Village Farmers Market with tote in hand and grand expectations of a bustling, crowded event. As I walked around the north side of the Tukwila Library toward the Sullivan Center, I was greeted with a much simpler scene that challenged my preconceptions of what makes a market.

Most markets I visit tend to be a zoo of people and booths; Often I find myself sucked into a maze of stalls and people with very little freedom to decide my own course. It’s harder to learn more about the vendors themselves, and dive deeper into what makes the market unique. In Tukwila, the flow is noticeably different; excess and abundance are traded for space—the defining characteristic of this beautifully simple market that asks you to slow down and spend a little time, not just a little money. 

Out on the concrete plaza nestled between 144th and 41st were 6-8 stalls curving around the steps of the Sullivan Center. I was a little taken aback at first by how sparse the space was, but as I made my way down the steps and into the heart of the market, I felt at ease with its openness; it was simple and welcoming; the distinctions between vendor and visitor appeared blurred, resulting in a setting that felt more social than transactional. Flashy logos and branding were uncommon, replaced almost entirely by the personalities of the vendors themselves to do the selling. 

Without much of a plan, I began my stroll on the opposite end of the market. The first stall I visited was a vegetable stand hosted by farmers who had just finished lining their table with the latest harvest. I picked out a fresh bushel of kale and used the moment of my transaction to strike up a conversation with one of the vendors, simply asking what they thought of the market and what makes it unique. They were quick to comment on the accessibility and cooperation between businesses, mentioning that they work in tandem with the Food Innovation Network and IRC to help local farmers—many of whom are immigrants or refugees—get up to speed with supplying and manning their own stalls in the market. Apparently, reserving a space is completely free, requiring only proof of a retail license. Most farmers markets demand steep rental fees, leaving little space for low income candidates to get their businesses started. In Tukwila, however, it seemed that competition took a back seat to cooperation.

I continued down the row of stalls with ease, admiring the lack of pressure I felt to make my time quick at each stop. Friendly faces welcomed me at every table, eager to have me come in and see what they were up to. Along the way I was asked for my opinion on budget allocation ideas for the city of Tukwila, introduced to a new rideshare system that shuttles people across town for free, and even invited to Tukwila’s next See You in the Park event—reminded multiple times that there would be fresh donuts

After chatting about donuts, I made my way down the line to the next stall, attracted by a beautiful display of colorful garments spilling over the vendor’s table and hanging from the roof of the tent. A woman dressed in an equally-stunning combination of designs made her way over and welcomed me to her stand. Her name was Helen and all of the colorful pieces on display were her creations—the results of years of dedicated crocheting, a passion which she discovered at just six years old. “I started and never stopped,” she remarked proudly while showing me around her shop. 

Scarves, pillows, blankets, hats, tops and more filled the stand, all brought into being by her talented hand. I admired the delicate intricacy of a pair of earrings on display in the corner; colorful woven crescents curving around an open circular space, reminding me much of the simple layout of the market in which I stood. “Imagine wrapping yourself up on the beach in one of these!” Helen broke in. I looked up to see her smiling from within the warm embrace of a crochet throw blanket, modeling how to best wear the colorful cozy web of fabric. Her enthusiasm for each piece was incredibly charming and indicative of the love and care she put into her work, which was made even more impressive once I discovered that crocheting wasn’t her only talent.

In addition to creating and selling garments and accessories in the market and online, Helen is also a dedicated farmer. “The market helped open up new avenues of business for me,” she explained. “I actually started with a produce stand here, and doing that showed me that I could also open a stand for my crafts business.” The low barrier to entry was key to getting her start at the farmers market. Arriving in Washington from Kenya just a few years ago, Helen was pleased to quickly find an opportunity to display her talents and get her products on the market. She puts much of the money she earns at the Tukwila market towards eventually bringing the rest of her family over to the states. In the meantime, she has been hard at work perfecting her many talents and even setting her sights on opening up a dedicated storefront somewhere in the city. While talking about her success at the market she couldn’t help but laugh when remembering just how hesitant she initially was to get started. “I want to encourage other farmers to take on the challenge of opening their stalls here, it’s so much easier than you think!” 

I left Helen’s stall and headed back to my car with a beautiful crochet scarf and a better understanding of what makes the Tukwila market such a special place. In addition to the lovely variety of local vendors providing fresh produce, crafts, and civic engagement opportunities, I was also acutely reminded of the importance of making space—not just for ourselves, but also for others, especially those who have the cards stacked against them. It’s far more rewarding to make some room than to endlessly search for it. I had visited the Tukwila Village Farmers Market and discovered a micro community that felt very much reflective of the city as a whole—a diverse collection of people and talents that only grows stronger as more space is shared.

Redfin Recommendations in Tukwila

We’re in the thick of summer and enjoying this incredible sunshine right now, but let’s be real here, the gray isn’t far away. But you can get ahead of the gloom and look forward to the rainy days by planning weekend adventures with a little help from our friends over at Redfin. They put together the perfect list of things to do around the Seattle area once the rainy weather starts approaching.

They’ve included two highlights from the City of Tukwila and are spot on with these recommendations. Check them out! 

The Museum of Flight 

When the rain comes, The Museum of Flight has got you covered. Located in Tukwila, play, stroll, contemplate and even learn a few things while being sheltered from the rain. Forget the weather in a windowless gallery, or engage your seasons of emotions surrounded by a glass building that touches the sky.

Seattle Chocolate Factory tour

Everyone knows Seattle for its coffee, but craft chocolate is the true gem of the Emerald City. To try some of the best chocolate in the area, Experience Tukwila recommends “Indulging your sweet tooth with a tour of the Seattle Chocolate Factory. Founded in 1991, this Seattle staple creates bold new chocolatey creations that are a must-try for everyone passing through.” 

So, next time you’re looking for something to do when the weather has you trapped inside, just head on over to Tukwila!

Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX

This month marked the 50th anniversary of the Education Amendment Act. The law’s landmark Title IX was instrumental in advancing gender equity in schools and removing barriers for girls and women in sports. To celebrate, we’re spotlighting a handful of the incredible athletes who have passed through the Tukwila community.

Kat Roche, Major League Rugby Referee
Kat is a former college rugby player and self-proclaimed fitness junkie, most notable for breaking new ground in Major League Rugby by becoming the first female lead referee. Her first MLR match as lead referee was right here in Tukwila last year when the Seawolves defeated the Houston SaberCats. Her career with MLR continues to have an impact on the world of sports, inspiring other women to pursue similar positions.

 

 

Carly MacKinnon, Seawolves Marketing and Communications Director
Carly is the Marketing and Communications Director for the Seawolves as well as a 15s player in the Seattle Rugby Club, where she was part of the team’s 2015 and 2016 USA Rugby Women’s Cup National Championship team. She is also a certified USA Rugby Coach and has spent years coaching high school girls in the sport.

 

 

Lauren Barber, Seawolves Director of Youth and Community Development
Lauren is the director of Youth and Community Development for the Seawolves, where she helps cultivate the next generation of rugby players in our community. A four-time national college rugby champion, Lauren has achieved a variety of leadership roles in the world of rugby, including assistant coach for the professional women’s Premier Rugby Sevens Headliners and vice chair of the youth state-based governing body, Rugby Washington.

 

Sierra Shugarts, WWU Alumni and 2016 National Player of the Year
Sierra was team captain at WWU, leading her team to the school’s first national title in 2016 and earning her Player of the Year honors. From there she traveled overseas, playing soccer in both Sweden and the Czech Republic, before returning to the PNW for new opportunities. But her long and decorated career first began right here in Tukwila at Starfire Sports. Now, Sierra has her sights set on giving back to the game which gave so much to her by putting on the jersey once again, only this time as “coach.”