Washington Park Arboretum ~ Master Plan

Arboretum Master Plan

The University of Washington, the City and the Arboretum Foundation are working together on three projects to implement the Arboretum master plan. The three projects are the Japanese Garden Entry Structure, the Pacific Connections Garden and the Irrigation Mainline Project.

Learn more

Master Plan (pdf 360k)

Seattle Parks and Recreation Master Plan page

Interpretation & Wayfinding Plan

Pacific Connections Garden Project

Background

In May 2001, the Seattle City Council approved the long-range master plan for the Washington Park Arboretum, creating a road map for Arboretum improvements over the next 20 years. Seattle Parks and Recreation, the University of Washington and the Arboretum Foundation developed the plan, which strikes "just the right balance between the Washington Park Arboretum’s functions as a renowned horticultural collection and as a treasured park," according to Ken Bounds, former Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation.

The master plan ensures the Washington Park Arboretum will effectively fulfill three primary purposes—conservation, recreation and education—for decades to come. Key elements include renovation of 30 existing plant exhibits and creation of 21 new plant exhibits; reorientation of some pedestrian trails; construction of a pedestrian/bicycle trail along Lake Washington Blvd.; renovation and expansion of existing facilities in the vicinity of the Graham Visitors Center; construction of a new pavilion and entrance to the Japanese Garden; addition of two pedestrian overpasses, one across Lake Washington Blvd. and one across Foster Island Dr.; traffic flow improvements; and other minor modifications.

The plan was the subject of extensive public review and comment. Since 1994, more than 4,500 citizens commented through public workshops and meetings, focus groups, forums, open houses, public hearings and the environmental review process – and all of these comments have helped shape the final plan.

Why a Master Plan?

In 1936, James Dawson of the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm developed the first plan for the Arboretum. The next master plan for the Washington Park Arboretum was adopted in 1978. In 1994, the Arboretum and Botanic Garden Committee (ABGC) launched a master planning process to develop a strategy to guide the Arboretum well into the 21st century.

The master plan responds to a host of issues that have arisen during the past 20 years concerning collections, traffic, conservation, education, public safety, recreation, and visitor services. Some of the original plant collections have matured, and many trees are dying. These natural resources require improved conditions and special care to thrive. Barrier-free access to public spaces needs to be updated for disabled visitors.

Implementation of the Master Plan

Together, UW Botanic Gardens and Seattle Parks and Recreation are working to implement the master plan. The estimated cost of improvements is $45 million. As a first step, Seattle Parks will make some infrastructure improvements to the Arboretum as part of a project funded by $2.2 million from the 2000 Pro Parks Levy. Planning work for these improvements began in 2002.

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