Queen Anne Boulevard at W McGraw Place, near site of tree removal
Seattle Parks and Recreation took emergency measures to remove an infected tree on W McGraw Place, part of Queen Anne Boulevard, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The Parks Dept. briefed FSOP on the need for the emergency removal Tuesday afternoon and received approval from the Landmarks Board early Wednesday.
The tree, a mature Norway maple (Acer platanoides) was infected with a spore, Cryptostroma corticale, which when airborne can become a human health hazard. The tree removal crew wore special protective gear during the removal process.
The spore grows under the bark of the tree, and as the bark falls away the spore is released to the air. More information on the pathogen can be found in this article.
Seattle Parks will replace the tree with a young tree of a different species yet to be determined. Approximately 23 additional trees along the boulevard are being assessed and may need to be removed and replaced as well. FSOP will be involved in both processes.
Are you interested in becoming more involved in matters regarding our Seattle Olmsted parks and boulevards? Consider joining us!
We are currently seeking new members to serve on our Board of Directors. Board activities include consulting on park improvement projects, creating and organizing walking tours, advocating for our historic parks, and partnering with community groups to help meet shared goals. Included on our current board are landscape architects and designers, a horticulturalist, a lawyer, a business manager, retired park staff, graphic designers and community relations professionals. We seek additional individuals with expertise and/or interest in at least one of the following areas:
Historical Research – looking for a candidate willing to do in-depth research for specific properties or projects, one of which is expanding our narrative to include related instances of racial injustices
Community Outreach – looking for a candidate who will identify and work with community groups and individual Olmsted Parks groups to help with park improvement projects
Educational Programming – looking for candidates who can help lead walking tours and/or identify and develop additional teaching opportunities
Accounting – looking for a candidate who can assist with our bookkeeping
Landscape Design – looking for candidates who are comfortable reviewing design proposals
Fund Raising — looking for candidates that are interested in leading our fund raising initiatives
Strategic Planning – looking for candidates who can help direct and implement our long-range planning
Communications – looking for candidates who can spearhead letter-writing campaigns and help build our social media presence
Anyone with an interest in the importance of unique urban parks and a willingness to advocate on their behalf
Terms begin in September immediately following our annual meeting on September 14, 2020, and run for three years. Our board meetings are typically held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. We are currently holding our meetings remotely via Zoom. As conditions allow, we will hold in-person meetings again at the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation headquarters in Denny Park (plenty of free parking available).
Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks (FSOP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Seattle’s unique Olmsted landscape heritage and raising awareness of the Olmsted philosophy of providing open space for all people.
Please contact FSOP President Douglas Luetjen at friends@seattleolmsted.org if you are interested in getting more involved!
We now have a second self-guided tour script available online! The tour will lead you through Seward Park and introduce you to its historical design, natural features and ongoing cultural events.
The Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks mourn the tragic loss of life due to injustice, racism, or intolerance. We remember George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Manuel Ellis, Roger Reese and Barry Lawson, and countless others as we condemn the continued violence and oppression against Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We, as did the Olmsteds, believe in a society that honors and protects the personal rights and freedoms that work to make everyone feel welcome and safe.
The Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks commit to understanding our role in dismantling institutional racism and to seek partnerships with individuals and communities to further inform the ways our historic parks can effectively serve them. We will seek broader understanding of the factors and policies that helped form our historic park system so as to acknowledge and communicate this history fully and transparently. We will incorporate these lessons in our ongoing efforts to support the Olmsted legacy of a park system meant to provide access, and value, equally throughout our community.
Go here to read our statement on race and social justice.
Many thanks to everyone who submitted their photos, artwork and artpieces for our slide show! It is fabulous to see how our natural environment inspires us and what elements, in particular, draw our eye and mind to attention. We hope you enjoy this slide show presentation, in honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary.
Comfort station, designed by the Olmsted Brothers, at Volunteer Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of the original Olmsted plan she writes, “In the naturalist tradition, Olmsted’s plan maximized Seattle’s topography by taking advantage of native vegetation, waterfront property and expansive mountain, sound and lake views. His goal was to have a park or playground within one half of a mile of every home.”
“It’s closed to golfing, but we walked through the open gate and had the entire place to ourselves. It reminded me of Olmsted’s greenswards, so incredibly uplifting at this awful time! I was enthralled to be in that beautiful green park!”
Water Tower at Volunteer Park (sketches by Andy Goulding)
Goulding recalls: “I remember, seventy years ago, climbing up the scary stairs of the Water Tower, being lifted by my father to look out the windows, before the trees that now obscure the view. Do you see in my sketch how two vertical bars are discontinuous? There was a semicircular metal view finder there, with pegs and landmarks identified Mountains, bodies of water, University of Washington. (Long before the Space Needle, my dears.)
“. . . These drawings were part of a coloring book, done in honor of the remaking of the Conservatory, several years ago. Wonderful how they took the building apart and put it back together, replacing the rotted wood members for aluminum, of exactly the same appearance.”
Stone lantern in Japanese Garden (watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
Item created at Seward Park Clay Studio (by Denise Minard)
Frink Park, Lake Washington Boulevard (watercolor and ink, by Andy Goulding)
“Lovely paths that were not there, fifty years ago, when I first saw this place.
Giving thanks to Seattle Parks.”
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Rainier Vista, UW Campus (watercolor and ink by Lauren Iverson)
Heading south along Lake Washington Boulevard (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“I took what I call an ‘urban hike’ earlier this spring, wanting to walk a good, scenic chunk of the Olmsted park and boulevard system and curious about parks south of Seward that I’d never visited before. From the Mt. Baker lightrail station I headed out along Mt. Baker Boulevard and Mt. Baker Park, then south along Lake Washington Boulevard all the way to Seward Park. South of Seward, I followed Seward Park Ave S (with a detour to Martha Washington Park) all the way to Pritchard Island Beach and Be’er Sheva Parks. I finally ended up at the Rainier Beach lightrail to return to my starting point.
“I took several photos en route. This spot appealed to me for its broad lawn expanse and walk right along the water’s edge — it was surprisingly spacious and quite tranquil.”
Item created at Seward Park Clay Studio (by Denise Minard)
“Volunteer Park, Pink and Red”(photo by M. Lamery, 2018)
Bridge in Montlake (watercolor and ink by Andy Goulding)
Green Lake (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
“Summer Stroll” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Interlaken Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of this park she writes, “Untamed and sometimes steep, Interlaken Park has trails that climb through 52 acres of dense woods on the north side of Capitol Hill. You’ll feel like you are miles away from the bustling city.”
Chapel at Discovery Park (watercolor by Jeff Benesi)
Chapel at Discovery Park (watercolor by Virginia Newman)
The Rose Garden at Woodland Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Woodland Park she writes, “One of my favorite features at the park, is the 1.9 acre rose garden, opened in 1924, near the entrance to the Zoo – it’s spectacular and fragrant May – August!”
At the Center for Wooden Boats (pen and watercolor by Jeff Benesi)
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Fremont Peak Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
“Let Us Make the Treaty Tonight” (sketch by Andy Goulding)
“And I remember the Conservatory, pungent as my grandmother; steamy in winter. The Art Museum was so boring, claustrophobic, I’m eager to see the new building.
“The statue of William Seward, Lincoln’s Secretary of State, celebrating the Alaska Purchase, “Let us make the treaty tonight”, also reminds us of the Civil War, and of Seward’s support for emancipation of slaves.
“These drawings were part of a coloring book, done in honor of the remaking of the Conservatory, several years ago. Wonderful how they took the building apart and put it back together, replacing the rotted wood members for aluminum, of exactly the same appearance.”
Seward Park (watercolor sketch by Dick Ramsey)
“Here are a couple of watercolor sketches I did after Patricia and I took a walk at Seward Park about a month ago. . . .”
Officers’ Housing at Discovery Park (plein air watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
“These houses face onto an area of the park — the old parade grounds and open bluff — that has always held a special appeal to me for how very open, and scenic! it is. These quarters are situated so well along the top of this gentle ridge, able to take in the sweeping view fully.”
The Parade Grounds at Discovery Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Discovery Park/Fort Lawton (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Myrtle Edwards waterfront near the Sculpture Garden (watercolor by Dick Ramsey)
“Trees at Golden Gardens” (watercolor by Elliott Neyme)
“I love Seattle’s Olmstead Parks!”
Item created at Seward Park Clay Studio (by Denise Minard)
“Madrona Study at Magnolia Park” (watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
“I love Madrona trees for their brilliant colors and sculptural qualities. I tried to capture a little of that in this tree study, set against a brilliant blue sky.”
Fremont Peak Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Gasworks Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Discovery Park (watercolor by Virginia Newman)
The Fauntleroy ferry as seen from Lincoln Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of this park she writes, “Lincoln Park, one of the largest in Seattle at 135 acres, boasts a beach which is wonderful for exploration at low tide – Beach Naturalists, like me, from the Seattle Aquarium, are on duty during low, low tides each summer.”
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Lake Washington Boulevard she writes, “I can just picture early Seattleites out for a Sunday drive back in the 1920’s. Today, stately homes from the 20’s, 50’s and modern day are on the west side while mature cherry and maple trees, public lawn and walking path line the parkway on the water (Lake Washington) side. This is one of my favorite cycling routes, (closed to cars on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month in the summer) but it is also a lovely walk and scenic drive.”
View of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington from Seward Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Seward Park she writes, “Screams of joy are usually heard from the delightful children’s playground and the wonderful swimming beach. The Seward Park Audubon Center, a haven for bird watching enthusiasts, is housed in the former historic inn while the original bathhouse is now the Seward Park Clay Studio.”
Lincoln Park Shoreline Walk (plein air watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
Shoreline at Colman Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of this spot, she writes “It’s Olmsted idyllic – a large old willow tree hangs out over the water from the scenic, sweeping lawn. This is a perfect little park for a picnic and jumping in Lake Washington (no lifeguard) on a hot summer day!”
Discovery Park/Fort Lawton (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Dakota Place Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Seward Park (watercolor sketch by Dick Ramsey)
“Here are a couple of watercolor sketches I did after Patricia and I took a walk at Seward Park about a month ago. . . .”
“Urban Jewel” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Washington Park Arboretum (photo by Tom Brown)
This photo was excerpted from an article by Janice Sears about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of the arboretum, she writes “Azalea way, a 1.4 mile (one way) packed gravel path, running through the middle of the Arboretum, is a mass of color, azaleas and rhododendrons, in May. March is prime time for fluffy pink cherry blossoms. And, the many varieties of maple trees put on quite a show in the fall.”
Notes on Lake Washington Boulevard (sketch and notes by Diane Solvang-Angell)
“A sketchbook entry from my morning walk along Lake Washington Boulevard and Madrona Bathhouse.”
Discovery Park/Fort Lawton (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Arboretum Bridge (watercolor and ink by Andy Goulding)
“The View Near Duck Island” (plein air oil pastel on paper by Elliott Neyme)
“I love Seattle’s Olmstead Parks!”
“The Journey II” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
“A Place to Rest” (watercolor by Vern Cooley)
Green Lake (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Green Lake Park she writes, “I lived in the Green Lake neighborhood for 12 years and must have walked [the loop trail] at least twice a week, so nearly 1,300 laps. This is not uncommon.”
Water tower at Volunteer Park (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
“Aster and Birch” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
At the Arboretum (watercolor by Vern Cooley)
“Fall Sunshine” (watercolor by Vern Cooley)
Green Lake (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
“Black Sun” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Hiawatha Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
“Quietude” (plein air watercolor with sepia ink by Jenifer Rees)
“This was done during a group plein air outing to Kubota Gardens. Although the park is quite spectacular with its diverse plantings and carefully cultivated settings (if you haven’t been, definitely plan a visit!), I was drawn to this quiet, shaded pool with a bamboo bridge arching across it. I was feeling a bit ‘earthy’ that day.”
“Volunteer Park Dahlias, 2018” (photo by Mary Lamery)
“Lily Pad Pond, Volunteer Park” (oil on canvas painting by M. Lamery)
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Lake Washington Boulevard Bridge, Frink Park (photo by Andy Goulding)
Gasworks Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Martha Washington Park (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“I was quite surprised to stumble across this gem of a park, located along the Lake Washington shoreline off a quiet neighborhood street. This was taken in late winter (hence the longer shadows even in midday). This was part of my ‘urban hike’ aiming to weave together components of the Olmsted system of parks that were less fully realized.”
“Sunrise, Lake Washington” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Outdoor Classroom at Pritchard Island Beach Park (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“This is also from my ‘urban hike’ adventure. Pritchard Island Beach occupies the northern portion of an isthmus that used to be an island until Lake Washington was lowered in 1917. Part of the park is a swimming beach, but the land exposed with the lake lowering is now a wooded wetland area with trails, boardwalks and an outdoor classroom.”
Pritchard Island Beach (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“One more photo from my ‘urban hike.’ I was enchanted with this mossy corner and the play of shadows across it, coming from the south with the winter sun.”
“Black Sun” by Isamu Noguchi, at Volunteer Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Volunteer Park she writes, “Across from the museum is an often-photographed view of sunset looking through the black sun sculpture over the reservoir out to downtown, the space needle and the Olympic Mountains.”
Golden Gardens (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
“Bluebird Day” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
“Volunteer Park, Reservoir” (photo by M. Lamery)
“Volunteer Park, Snow Scene” (photo by M. Lamery)
The Lighthouse at Discovery Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Discovery Park she writes, “The 534 acres of parkland, the largest of any Seattle park, also encompasses a beautiful beach, at the bottom of the bluff (aka steep hike), and even a historic lighthouse.”
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. (charcoal sketch by Jeff Benesi)
We also encourage each of you to take part in “Voices Carry,” a project being created by Earth Day NW: https://earthdaynw2020.org/voicescarry/ You can add your own message and ideas for change in order to better protect our environment. In the words of Kristi England, executive director of Earth Day Northwest 2020: “In supporting this campaign, you will encourage thousands to get involved, and share their own unique visions of how they want to see the future unfold.”
We hope also that your thoughts and intentions this Earth Day include ways to continue preserving Seattle’s natural open spaces and parks, including our Olmsted system that first established this open space network.
Our new book, Olmsted in Seattle, is now available for purchase at local bookstores and online at UW Press and Amazon, following our official launch and presentation at Seattle Public Library on Saturday, November 16, 2019.
Author, Jennifer Ott, gave a 50-minute presentation to a sizable audience in the Microsoft Auditorium in the downtown branch and entertained questions immediately following. Ott signed a number of books, which were available for immediate purchase through Elliott Bay Books.
According to Petyr Beck, publisher and president of Documentary Media, pre-sales exceeded 400 copies prior to the book launch.
Thank you for all who have supported the production of Olmsted in Seattle. We are very grateful to HistoryLink and Documentary Media for their expertise in bringing this project forward. A very special thanks to Seattle Public Library and Elliott Bay Books for a successful launch.
Look for the release of our new book later this fall! Olmsted in Seattle: Creating a Park System for a Modern City, by Jennifer Ott, is the culmination of an 18-month effort by HistoryLink and Documentary Media, in partnership with Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks. The book traces the story of how, in the midst of galloping growth at the turn of the 20th century, Seattle’s city leaders seized on the confluence of a roaring economy with the City Beautiful movement to hire the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm. Their 1903 plan led to a supplemental plan, a playground plan, numerous park and boulevard designs, changes to park system management, and a ripple effect for the firm, as the Olmsted Brothers were subsequently hired to design public and private landscapes throughout the region.
The book, distributed by UW Press, will be available in early November. Following are a few of the events being planned around the book’s release:
Author Jennifer Ott is an environmental historian and assistant director of HistoryLink, and she is also a former president of FSOP (2011-15) and founding and current Volunteer Park Trust steering committee member. Previous publications include the book Waterway: The Story of Seattle’s Locks and Ship Canal(co-authored with David B. Williams), and articles for the Oregon Historical Quarterly, HistoryLink.org, and Seattle magazine.
With the help of 4Culture funding and redevelopment by MRW Web Design, the Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks now boasts a new website with much more detailed information on its parks, a more accurate and easily viewable map, and new, separate listings for News and Events.
