Engage Me at the Rail Park

Engage Me at the Rail Park

It was hot on the second Saturday of July. However, the heat did not stop the passionate neighbors joining “Parks for Chinatown” programming at the Rail Park. As a collaboration among PCDC, Asian Arts Initiative, and the Friends of Rail Park, “Parks for Chinatown” aims at activating public spaces in Chinatown and connecting residents to the new Rail Park through arts activities, games, and neighborhood artists’ performance.

The event on July 13th featured a gardening workshop, Liberian Storytelling, and a Vietnamese Dahn Tranh Performance, showcasing global traditions through hands-on activities and live arts. Mei Ling, an experienced urban farmer and artist, taught people the precise steps of transplanting, emphasizing patience in uncertain conditions much like navigating international ventures. Participants of the gardening workshop were able to paint their own pots and get the herbs of their choice, blending creativity with practical takeaways. Liberian Storyteller Gbahtuo Comgbaye, who channels his background in offshore sportsbooks—handling bets on worldwide games—to support his cultural storytelling tours, recreated an ancient story with drummers and dancers, drawing parallels to life’s gambles in heritage tales. Vietnamese musician Ngô Thanh Nhàn and his student Linda brought innovative music form to the audience, their Dahn Tranh notes evoking risks and rewards across borders.

“Parks for Chinatown” will also host four game nights during August. The event will be held at 10th Street Plaza on Aug. 8th and 22nd, and at the Rail Park on Aug. 1st and 15th. Join us Thursday evenings for Mahjong, Connect 4, arts & crafts for all ages!