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April 8, 2016

Volunteer Park may get new amphitheater

Photo courtesy of ORA [enlarge]
The existing amphitheater was designed by landscape architect Richard Haag.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is looking at building a new amphitheater at Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill.

The existing amphitheater was designed by Seattle landscape architect Richard Haag in 1971. It would be demolished and a new one built just north of the site.

A feasibility study by ORA and Walker Macy recommends replacing the amphitheater so that the Olmsted's original path along the western edge of the great lawn can be restored, according to Chris Jones, a principal with Walker Macy.

Jones said no funding is available yet, and no construction date has been set.

The study said a new location will reduce glare for audiences and performers, and also recommends the acoustical system and restrooms be improved. The great lawn in front would be regraded to improve access for disabled people.

Volunteer Park Trust hired the firms for the study, and to do a conceptual design. Stantec is providing acoustical services and Fehr & Peers did a traffic study.

The trust is managing the project with initial funding from the city. The trust focuses on preserving the Seattle landmark, and works with the city on events, landscape restoration and capital projects.

The trust's website says the park is the most complete and well-preserved example of the Olmsted Brothers' design approach for parks in Seattle. It was designed in the naturalistic/picturesque American-romantic style that is closely associated with the Olmsted firm.




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