The Layers of Kerry Park

Kerry park, officially donated to the city in 1927, was named after Albert Kerry. He was a northwest lumberman who had slowly made his way higher in the lumber Industry. Albert Kerry began the Kerry Lumber Company with his brother in 1896 in Seattle. Although, shortly after the construction, the company buildings were destroyed in the great Seattle fire. This set Albert on a longer path of restarting in far north British Columbia. He was met with success and soon became the co-founder of the Washington and Oregon Timber company. After years of success and traveling through the Pacific Northwest he returned to his home in Seattle. His involvement with the Seattle economy was well known during the time and continues to be discreetly shown through the still standing park. 

The location was perfect for Albert Kenny. He had imagined turning the beautiful spot into a park. Doing so turned dreams into reality. His name was engraved into another section of Seattle's history. The park is a perfect place for visitors and shines value on neighboring properties. 

The park sits on West Highland Drive, a street lined with luxurious houses and buildings. During the early years of the 20th century, the lots were quickly purchased by nearby neighbors hearing of the rumor that the now Victoria Apartments would be constructed. The plans to build high scale apartments next to the park threatened the pristine park and neighborhoods view and character. The people living near the park created such an uproar that the city was quickly pushed to enforce regulation restricting the height of any future buildings. The community surrounding the park was satisfied with the restriction, although this was just another step for contractors and large companies. The companies later found ways around the restrictions. Large buildings were built, east of the park, that made nearby houses seem insignificant in size. This was frustrating for the community, but was uncontrollable. The towers remain today overlooking the park and landscape. Despite them being an active eyesore and inconvenience to neighbors, the well known view was not obstructed in any sort. 

Kerry park faced several downsizing attempts from companies and wealthy individuals. These attempts were made purely for personal gain, either profit or in order to obtain the view. This did not sit well with the community, which meant it did not sit well with the city. The city held its ground, and remains a staple of the present and the past. The park itself has also faced changes in of itself. The park was placed under construction in later years in order to harbor more people and have a more attractive look. This included reinforcing the walls preventing individuals from rolling down the grassy slope. The large metal sculpture was added as well, adding an iconic feature to the already magnificent view. The park also faced changes at the bottom of its steep slope. A play structure was built, along with a makeshift softball field and half of a basketball court. These features all add to the scenery and create a nearly “perfect” park.

“Kerry, Albert Sperry (1866-1939).” https://www.historylink.org/File/8856. 

TripSavvy. “Kerry Park: The Complete Guide.” https://www.tripsavvy.com/kerry-park-complete-guide-4691039.

Queen Anne Historical Society. “‘United South Slope Residents’ Save Kerry Park,” July 8, 2014. https://qahistory.org/ussr-kerry-park/.