The University of Washington's Master of Landscape Architecture advanced studio has partnered with Schmitz Park Creek Restore, a grassroots initiative focused on reconnecting Schmitz Park’s ancient forest with Puget Sound. This collaboration challenges students to explore the unique identity of landscapes and create designs that celebrate and revive Seattle’s urban wilds.

For more details, you can read Westside Seattle's previous coverage here.

Join Us at the Alki Bathhouse in West Seattle for a Community Open House!

• December 6th, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Meet the project team and join the discussion.

• December 7th, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Self-guided explorations.

Led by Seattle-based landscape architect Paul Peters, principal at Hood Design Studio and UW lecturer, the studio immerses students in an in-depth exploration of Schmitz Park’s ecological, historical, and cultural narratives. The goal is to develop designs that restore the connection between Schmitz Park’s 53-acre old-growth forest and Alki Beach. Historically stewarded by the Duwamish Tribe and donated to Seattle Parks in 1908, Schmitz Park is one of the city’s last wild areas, with its creek currently disappearing underground before reaching Elliott Bay. The students aim to restore the creek’s natural flow, creating a continuous “wild corridor.”

The UW students’ conceptual designs are inspired by Schmitz Park Creek Restore, a citizen-led effort in West Seattle that seeks to daylight the creek. This vision was first introduced to the public in May 2024 at a gathering hosted by photographer Art Wolfe, with support from Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe, Schmitz family representatives, and park restoration advocates. The enthusiastic reception led Peters to incorporate the project into his Autumn 2024 studio titled “Where the Wild Things Are.”

To showcase the students’ work and engage with the community, the UW Studio, Schmitz Park Creek Restore, and Seattle Parks and Recreation will host an open house at the Alki Bathhouse in West Seattle. Join us on December 6th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for discussions with the project team, or visit on December 7th, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a self-guided experience. This event will allow the public to explore the students’ designs and understand the possibilities for restoring Schmitz Creek’s natural flow.

In 2025, the Schmitz Park Creek restoration project will launch a public fundraising initiative to support Seattle Parks and Seattle Public Utilities in advancing restoration efforts. Additionally, a significant capital campaign titled “53 for 53” will aim to establish a $53 million endowment, providing one million dollars per acre of Schmitz Park to preserve its wild landscape for future generations.

About Schmitz Park Creek Restore

For detailed project information, including Schmitz Reserve Park’s history and current restoration efforts, visit SchmitzParkCreek.org. The site offers volunteer opportunities through “Ivy League” work parties. Schmitz Reserve Park, a 53-acre ancient forest, is managed cooperatively by Seattle Parks and Recreation, overseeing land, trails, utilities, and plant collections.

About Paul Peters

Paul Peters, principal at Hood Design Studio, is celebrated for his work linking nature and culture through layered landscape designs. He has led projects like Charleston’s International African American Museum and the Oakland Museum of California renovation. Currently, he’s shaping projects at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York and Discovery Place Nature in Charlotte, NC. Beyond his practice, Paul teaches at the University of Washington, with past roles at UC Berkeley and the University of British Columbia.