DISCOVER the Olmsted Legacy: Part 1

In 1903 the Boston landscape architecture firm of Olmsted Brothers was engaged to design a park and boulevard system for the city of Seattle. Among other projects the firm had previously designed New York’s Central Park and the park system of Boston. For Seattle, they proposed an interconnected system of parks linked by boulevards, similar to the Emerald Necklace design for Boston. Not only did they place their stamp on Seattle, but many of the roads and parks they designed have become iconic cycling routes within the city due to their prioritization of recreation and aesthetics over straightforward transportation.

In a series of rides, we will explore the Olmsted plan for Seattle. Our first ride takes us through the southeastern portion of the plan, including Lake Washington Boulelvard, Leschi Park, Frink Park, Coleman Park, Stanley Sayres Memorial Park, Seward Park, Cheasty Boulevard, Jefferson Park and Golf Course, and the Mount Baker neighborhood.

This ride is a bit different from the usual ride in that the emphasis will be on sightseeing rather than straight out riding. We will stop frequently to examine and discuss aspects of the Olmsted legacy. The ride is listed as Steady but will also work for interested faster riders who can simply ride ahead to the next stop. If you are a slower rider please note that there are several hills involved, but frequent stops should make it easier to keep up.

See you at the Leschi Starbucks!