By Todd Burley
Seward Park, the largest park in Southeast Seattle at 277 acres, is a rare gem of waterfront wildness in the midst of the Northwest’s largest city. Since it was purchased by the city in 1911, this peninsula in Lake Washington has meant many things to many cultures in our community. And it continues to provide connection to nature and each other.
This regional park has another distinction – a virtual historical tour was created as part of the mitigation work completed by Seattle Public Utilities for the CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) system installed under the tennis courts. Check out the Seward Park Story Map created by Monica Hall (SPU), Nate Smith (SPR), Patrick Morgan (Seattle IT) and supported by Libby Hudson (SPR). It is a visually stunning experience that uncovers the many layers to this majestic park.
If you want to go even deeper into the history of Seward Park, check out Paul Talbert’s new book Wild Isle in the City.
And for those who really wish they had a naturalist in their pocket when walking through the park, the Seward Park Audubon Center has developed two “Smart Walks” on ferns and evergreens that are accessible via your smart phone at this link.
Enjoy your walk, virtual or in person, at Seward Park!
