Washington Park Arboretum - Seattle, Washington
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 47° 37.723 W 122° 17.732
10T E 552925 N 5275275
Washington Park Arboretum was part of the Olmsted Brothers original master plan for Seattle parks in 1903. Funding wasn't available until the 1930's however, and a junior partner of the firm did the final designs for the arboretum.
Waymark Code: WM14E4
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 01/11/2007
Views: 97
The Washington Park Arboretum is a spectacular urban green space on the shores of Lake Washington just east of downtown Seattle and south of the University of Washington. It was established in 1934 by an agreement approved by both the University of Washington and the City of Seattle. The City of Seattle held title to a 200+ acre park known as Washington Park located in a central portion of the city. It agreed that the University could design, construct, plant, and manage an Arboretum and Botanical Garden in this park.
In 1936, the Seattle Garden Club donated $3000 to hire the Olmsted Brothers landscape firm to design the first planting plan. Mr. James Dawson, a junior partner of the Olmsted's Brookline office,was the chief designer of the plan. The Washington Park Arboretum was part of the original 1903 Seattle Parks Plan report by John Olmsted, but it was not until the 1930s that the city had both the political will and the funding to bring it to fruition. During those early years when the nation was in deep depression, 500 men in the Public Works Administration constructed many of the historical features; e.g., the Stone Cottage, and Azalea Way.
The arboretum contains many typical Olmsted features, including ponds, natural rock bridges, stairs, and shelters, and exquisite plant combinations. As was typical in arboreta of the day, the plants are arranged by botanical groups. One of its most beloved features, Azalea Way, was part of this plan. Today, it offers a spectacular flower display each spring when Japanese flowering cherries, azaleas, and rhododendrons all bloom in concert.
The coordinates listed are for the Graham Visitor Center, a great place to start your visit.
Type of Public Space: Arboretum
Job Number: 02699
Architect: James Dawson and John Olmsted
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Visit Instructions:
There are no specific visit requirements, however telling about your visit is strongly encouraged. Additional photos of the park to add to the gallery are also nice, but not required. Pictures with a GPS or you in them is highly discouraged.