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 Capitol Hill, one of Seattle’s most densely populated neighborhoods. The park is in need of immediate and long-term stewardship beyond what the city can afford. Its future is in jeopardy. In response to this challenge, the Volunteer Park Trust is working with neighbors, the Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Parks Foundation, and others to preserve and enhance this beloved landmark for generations to come.