UW Landscape Architecture Master’s Program embraces Schmitz Park Restore as its 2024 Fall Project
UW Landscape Architecture Master’s Program embraces Schmitz Park Restore as its 2024 Fall Project
Major development in effort to daylight and restore Schmitz Park Creek
Wed, 07/31/2024
Information from Schmitz Park Creek Restore
The Schmitz Park Creek Restore Project, launched on May 7th, has received a significant boost. On June 3rd, it was tentatively agreed that the University of Washington (UW) School of Architecture’s Landscape Architecture Design Studio Master’s Program will adopt the project for its 2024 Fall semester.
At the June 3rd meeting, Paul Peters, UW Design Studio Instructor, announced his efforts to recruit participants and resources to create a detailed plan to restore and preserve Schmitz Park. The initiative aims to rejuvenate Schmitz Park’s ancient forest and establish a green corridor from the Park to Alki Beach. This project includes “daylighting” the creek, restoring it to the surface and reintroducing fish and other aquatic life.
Peters’ proposal, endorsed by Schmitz Park Creek Restore leadership and well-received by Seattle City Parks and Seattle Public Utilities, will be presented in early 2025. Daniel Nye and Brian Barilleaux, founders of Schmitz Park Creek Restore, welcomed this development as a critical step forward. They have been working on the project for several years with support from local communities and volunteers.
The project’s success on May 7th attracted attention, leading Peters, a resident of West Seattle, to see its potential for his UW Master’s Program. David Peterson, Schmitz Park Creek Restore Development Director, coordinated the subsequent meeting involving Seattle Parks and Public Utilities officials.
Peters outlined his plan to have students develop extensive designs by the end of the Fall Semester, collaborating with community leaders and city authorities. Seattle Parks and Public Utilities representatives expressed keen interest and support for the project.
Following the meeting, attendees walked from Alki Beach to Schmitz Park, envisioning the restored creek and its benefits. Discussions highlighted the park’s ecological and historical significance, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed for restoration.
Further meetings and planning sessions are scheduled, including training sessions for volunteers committed to invasive species removal and park restoration tasks. The project’s progress and updates can be followed at www.schmitzparkcreekrestore.org.
