Jefferson Park (Seattle)

File:Jefferson park trees in snow.jpg

Jefferson Park golf course trees in snow

Jefferson Park is a 52.4 acre (212,055 m²) public park and golf course on top of Beacon Hill in Seattle, Washington, bounded on the east by 24th Avenue S. and 24th Place S., on the west by 15th Avenue S., on the north by S. Spokane Street, and on the south by Cheasty Boulevard S.

History

The park site was originally planned by the State of Washington for state university use. In 1892, it was the site of a "pesthouse," or isolation hospital. In 1898, the land was sold to the city of Seattle, with plans to build a reservoir and a cemetery. In 1908, the park was named for Thomas Jefferson.

The Olmsted Brothers included the park in their comprehensive plan for Seattle parks, and designed the 18 hole golf course which opened in 1915.

During World War II, Jefferson Park contained anti-aircraft batteries, and was requisitioned by the U.S. Army for a G.I. recreation center, with recreation facilities, a gym, and tent housing for soldiers and visiting family.

In the post war years, the park returned to normal; the Army structures were mostly removed, though a new Veterans' Administration hospital was built on the site of the original 9-hole golf course. (A replacement 9-hole course was built elsewhere in the park.) A lawn bowling green and playgrounds were also constructed at this time.

This is also the home course of golfing great Fred Couples.

The park today

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Jefferson Park viewpoint, fall 2010

The Jefferson Park Golf Course, the Jefferson Community Center, Jefferson Lawn Bowling green, and playfields continue to be heavily used. Jefferson Park received $8 million from the recent ProParks funding levy, allowing redevelopment and remodeling to begin. Projects in this park revitalization effort include new walking paths, gardens, and a new gymnasium. The Jefferson Park expansion officially opened October 28th, 2010.

In 2012, the park will have a groundbreaking for the Beacon Food Forest, a 7-acre forest gardening project on the west side of the reservoir.

In June of 2014 a 'skate space' designed by artist CJ Rench opened up to the public. A sculpture that is specifically designed for skateboarding.

File:CJ Rench 'Skate Space' sculpture Jefferson Park, Seattle, WA view 2.JPG

'Skate-Space' sculpture by CJ Rench

References

• HistoryLink Essay: Jefferson Park Municipal Golf Course (Seattle)
• Seattle Parks and Recreation: Jefferson Park (official City page)

External links

• Jefferson Park Alliance, a group of neighborhood advocates for the park
• Jefferson Park Community Center
• Jefferson Park Lawn Bowling Club