Project Description

Centrally located on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park represents the most complete and well-preserved example of the Olmsted Brothers’ design approach for Seattle city parks. The park includes a rustic, brick-clad water tower with observation deck, a century-old glass conservatory, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, a historic shelter house, a wading pool and play area, a performance stage, a reservoir, tennis courts, two formal lily ponds, outdoor art, and significant heritage trees.

Widely used and much loved, Volunteer Park is both a major city destination and a community park that serves one of Seattle’s most densely populated areas: Capitol Hill and the surrounding underserved neighborhoods. But the last hundred years have taken their toll. With a crumbling infrastructure, 48 acres of land to manage, and many original garden beds lost to weeds and neglect, Volunteer Park requires far more care than Seattle Parks & Recreation can afford.

In response to this challenge, the Volunteer Park Trust is working with neighbors, Seattle Parks & Recreation, Seattle Parks Foundation, and others to preserve and enhance this beloved landmark for generations to come. Our work includes monthly and annual stewardship events, fun community celebrations, and capital projects to improve buildings and infrastructure.