Federal Way renames Alderbrook Park ahead of this year’s Juneteenth National Holiday
Jun 19, 2025, 2:39 PM
A photo of the new Conna Park sign, formerly known as Alderbrook Park in Federal Way Washington. (Photo courtesy of the City of Federal Way)
(Photo courtesy of the City of Federal Way)
Alderbrook Park in Federal Way has officially been renamed to Conna Park to coincide with this year’s observance of the Juneteenth National Holiday.
The park’s renaming comes more than 150 years after John Conna broke free from slavery in Texas and traveled to the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Mary Conna, according to the City of Federal Way.
Federal Way’s Conna Park
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The Federal Way City Council unanimously passed a proposal by Mayor Bruce Ferrell to rename Alderbrook Park to Conna Park, in honor of John and Mary Conna.
The recently updated Conna Park is located at 1401 SW 325th Place in Federal Way.
Conna Park, situated near Silver Lake Elementary School, features a playground, a picnic area, and a walking trail with additional playground renovations in the works, Ferrell stated.
John and Mary Conna
“The Connas were 19th-century pioneer landowners in what is now Federal Way and overcame significant challenges as African Americans to successfully run businesses, serve as the first Sergeant of Arms for the Washington State Legislature, and own land in what is now Federal Way,” the City of Federal Way stated.
John Conna established his career on the East Coast after the Civil War, later settling in the Tacoma area, and became a distinguished business person, community leader, and politician in the late 1800s.
Additionally, the former Conna Park is situated on the Conna homestead, and it will include a memorial that will honor their legacy and inspire future generations.
The newly named Conna Park is located on 25 of the 157 acres that the Connas owned in the late 1800s, according to The Seattle Times.
Mayor Ferrell contacted the descendants of the Connas and mentioned that the park’s name change proposal was well-received by the Conna family.
“This honor makes their story, contributions, and legacy more visible,” Maisha Barnett, a great-granddaughter of the Connas, said during the unveiling, according to The Seattle Times.
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