The City of Seattle held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Fremont Peak Park on November 10th, 2007. The opening was a spectacular reflection of the park’s goal – to support the surrounding community and to create an urban oasis. A cake modeled on the park, music, a clear sky and more than 250 neighbors filled the senses and inspired all visitors.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day: the sun was shinning, we had live music, the skyline was clear – the whole site was at its best, just in time to for everyone to experience”, said Marieke Lacasse of GGLO, the Landscape Architect for the project.
Fremont Peak Park is a new 24,000 SF park in Seattle that integrates a significant stand of native trees with works of art to create an ‘urban oasis’ with panoramic views of northwest Seattle and the Olympic Mountains. Comprised of three residential lots, the site is tucked into a neighborhood high on the west slope of Palatine Avenue North.
The challenge for GGLO was to design a quiet, contemplative setting that preserved existing vegetation, enhanced access to the panoramic view, and captured the artistic spirit of the surrounding community. Three park zones, a natural meadow, a woodland, and a showcase viewpoint are connected by paths that borrow from the Greek myth of the Minotaur. Native plantings broaden habitat potential and protect neighbor privacy.
For most visitors, the view will be the motive to visit Fremont Peak Park, with art elements and contemplative and natural settings serving to enrich the park experience. The project design team included GGLO and Laura Haddad.
