Last updated: June 5, 2024
Place
Cowen Park
Olmsted Archives
Quick Facts
In 1903, the land that would become Cowen Park was privately owned, part of the “University Park” subdivision platted by Charles Cowen. That same year, John Charles Olmsted of Olmsted Brothers recommended acquiring the land for a park. Four years later, while construction was underway on the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, Cowen donated the land to Seattle, and John Charles was asked to create a preliminary plan for a park.
John Charles’ design included a “Little Children’s Lawn”, covered shelter, a plaza, four footbridges crossing the stream channel, and other small structures. At the request of the city, John Charles also designed an entrance gate for the park. Despite significant alterations due to the dumping of excess material at the park for the construction of Interstate 5, the overall shape and placement of feature’s reflects John Charles’ original design.
Source: "Cowen Park," Olmsted Online
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Online
John Charles’ design included a “Little Children’s Lawn”, covered shelter, a plaza, four footbridges crossing the stream channel, and other small structures. At the request of the city, John Charles also designed an entrance gate for the park. Despite significant alterations due to the dumping of excess material at the park for the construction of Interstate 5, the overall shape and placement of feature’s reflects John Charles’ original design.
Source: "Cowen Park," Olmsted Online
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Online