Berger Partnership PS

Naturally [UN] Natural: From a site so flat water would not flow, and soils so compact water could not percolate, the landscape of Magnuson Park was transformed into a complex system of ponds and surface conveyance features. This hydrologic system collects water from hillsides, sports fields and pavement, moving it through over 50 ponds designed to support different flora and fauna, before it discharges into Lake Washington. In this way the hydrologic system continues to change and adapt, turning engineered stormwater systems into natural systems. Seattle Parks and Recreation

The City of Kent and King County celebrated the opening of Van Doren’s Landing and the Lower Russell Levee Setback project today. As the landscape architects we were one of many incredible collaborators who spent the last ten years designing a $58M levee revetment to withstand a 500-year flood of the Green River. The resulting project alleviates flooding, protects the valley, local business AND salmon, while providing new open space for the community. The park features a new 1 mile stretch of the Green River Trail, a mini Mount Rainier and an observation tower to watch the wide range of native plantings along the levee revetment take root and grow. The plants were selected with the Muckleshoot Tribe including red elderberries once cultivated on this very site by the tribe. If you’re wondering why there’s a boat on the playground, steamships once traveled the Green River carrying supplies. Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services King County, Washington Northwest Playground Equipment, Inc.