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synopsis

The longest and most significant boulevard in Seattle’s Olmsted park system, Lake Washington Boulevard links nine of the Olmsted parks, extending six miles from Montlake Boulevard at the north end, through Washington Park Arboretum and along the lake to Seward Park at the south end. Alternating between shoreline and upland stretches, the boulevard features park, lake and mountain views.

The longest and most significant boulevard in Seattle’s Olmsted park system, Lake Washington Boulevard links nine of the Olmsted parks, extending six miles from Montlake Boulevard at the north end, through Washington Park Arboretum and along the lake to Seward Park at the south end. Alternating between shoreline and upland stretches, the boulevard features park, lake and mountain views. Tightly winding, switchback segments mark grade transitions from hillside to shoreline in three locations, including the roadways within Lakeview, Frink and Colman parks.

The boulevard is beloved both for its views and its diverse canopy of mature native and ornamental trees. Although this job only contains a plan for what is known as the "Upper Boulevard" between Frink and Colman Parks, the layout and concepts for the design for the boulevard are primarily found in job 02690 and the park jobs which it connects. As it was being developed there were names for each segment, including University Boulevard, Washington Park Boulevard, Blaine Boulevard, Frink Boulevard.

The segment in Washington Park (02699) was the first section built following the design prepared by the Olmsted Brothers in 1904. As the planning for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (02739) got underway the boulevard was intended to serve as the vehicular entry to the Exposition and to showcase the beauty of Seattle's setting along Lake Washington. Edward Cheasty, Parks Commission President was quoted saying: To the tourist visiting Seattle, the boulevard system probably makes a more lasting impression than any other scenic feature." (The Coast - 1909)

A Colman Park postcard caption, postmarked in 1912, captures the sentiment, saying: "World Famous Boulevards - Described by Former President Taft as follows: "One of the most magnificent combinations of modern city and medival forest, of formal gardening and Nature's handiwork with the most beautiful views of lake, sea and snow-capped mountain peak, that has ever delighted the eye of man in this or any other country.""

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