The University of Washington’s Master of Landscape Architecture advanced studio has embarked on a visionary partnership with Schmitz Park Creek Restore, a grassroots initiative dedicated to reconnecting Schmitz Park’s ancient forest with the waters of Puget Sound. This partnership challenges students to explore the unique identity of landscapes, fostering designs that celebrate and revive the wild within Seattle’s urban fabric.

Led by Seattle-based landscape architect Paul Peters, a 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. Working in teams, the students aim to develop

designs that restore the connection between Schmitz Park’s 53-acre old-growth forest and Alki

Beach. Schmitz Park, historically stewarded by the Duwamish Tribe and donated to Seattle

Parks in 1908, remains one of the city’s last remaining wild areas, yet its creek disappears

underground before it reaches Elliott Bay. The students envision restoring the creek’s natural

flow, creating a continuous “wild corridor”.

The UW students’ conceptual designs draw inspiration from Schmitz Park Creek Restore, a

citizen-led effort in West Seattle, which seeks to restore Schmitz Park’s creek and daylight its

natural flow.

The Schmitz Park Creek restoration project also plans a public fundraising initiative in 2025 to

support Seattle Parks and Seattle Public Utilities in advancing restoration efforts. Additionally, a

significant capital campaign titled “53 for 53” will seek to establish a $53 million endowment,

providing one million dollars per acre of Schmitz Park to preserve its wild landscape for future

generations.