This photo was taken at the Summer Solstice and shows how the Viewpoint functions as a “sunset-marking instrument.” The notch in the summer-solstice stone lines up with a slot in the railing to mark where the sun sets on the horizon on this special day. Come visit on the Solstice or Equinox to enjoy this unique sunset-marking feature. Or enjoy the special view any day of the year. USE ARROWS TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THE 27-IMAGE SLIDESHOW
The park is also all about the view to the west. The panorama stretches from Beacon Hill past downtown to Capitol hill, overlooking Rainier Valley, downtown, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
Sunset at the Viewpoint Dedication March 20, 2009
This plan shows the seven basalt sunset stones aligning with the sunset directions. The stone to the far left marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The stone to the far right marks the winter solstice, the shortest day. The middle stone is the Equinox stone, marking the day of the year when daytime and nighttime are equal in length.
UW astronomer professor Woody Sullivan measured all the angles for the construction drawings. There wasn’t much room for error!
Kids playing with sunlight at the spring Equinox, at the Dedication March 20, 2009.
Three public meetings in the basement meeting room of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church determined the design direction of the Viewpoint, along with desired amenities like a water fountain.
Nate Cormier, one of the designers. mocking up one of the two designs for the community to consider.
Fundraising for construction began after the design was selected. Left to right, committee members Brogan Thomsen, Karen DeWinter, Kim Kemp, Douglas Jackson and Lynn Clark
Auction at the Mount Baker Community Clubhouse attended by over 200 people.
Auctions are a lot of fun when they go as well as this one and have lots of community support!
Viewpoint committee chair David Berger with members Karen DeWinter and Jerry Morales hold a $15,000 check from Starbucks, to support construction. Funding came from many different sources.
A tour of Mt. Baker gardens in summer was also a big success.
Groundbreaking with members of the Viewpoint steering committee and friends. At right is Mark Johnson, one of the designers with Nate Cormier. From the left, Belinda Towns, Chris Buening, Matt Cohen, Ken Coleman, chair David Berger, Karen DeWinter, Douglas Jackson, Ken Valder, and Lynn Clark
Construction underway. The viewing platform extends over a steep slope and required an elaborate foundation.
Cutting and installing the metal grating.
Crowd at the Dedication on March 20, 2009, the Spring Equinox. The day started out blustery and wet, but ended with glorious sunshine along with food and music. A day participants will long remember.
Ribbon cutting at the dedication. Seattle city councilperson Tim Rasmussen at left, Jerry Morales, Paul Barry, neighborhood family, and committee chair David Berger with the scissors. Back right Dawn MacMillion.
From left to right, Seattle Parks’ project manager Patrick Donohue, landscape architect Nate Cormier, committee chair David Berger, and architect Mark Johnson. Nate and Mark, then with Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, designed the Viewpoint.
The Viewpoint took ten years of effort to go from conception to Dedication.
The Viewpoint is stunning at night, The lights of downtown and transportation corridors are distinct and exciting.
The Viewpoint is different in all light and weather, and attracts many photographs.
Shadows as the sun lowers on the horizon.
Community volunteers help keep the Viewpoint looking its best. New volunteers are most welcome – please contact us!
It’s great to see so many folks enjoying the Viewpoint.
The Viewpoint site in 1937.
The Viewpoint site today. This was taken on the winter solstice as the sun set.
