VOLUNTEER PARK AMPHITHEATER

ORA collaborated with Seattle Parks and Recreation and Volunteer Park Trust to implement a dynamic transformation of the outdoor amphitheater within Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. The new stage pavilion and enhanced landscaping restored key aspects of the original Olmsted Park design to create an engaging, highly adaptable space to accommodate more diverse performances and everyday uses. The new covered roof, enhanced stage and backstage support, and pivoting stage backdrop significantly improve the performance capabilities. ORA collaborated with landscape architect Walker Macy and civil engineer LPD Engineering to provide ADA compliant accessible pathways that blend well with the historic Olmsted context. The desire for flexible space for education, special events, performance, and everyday activities, along with safety, access, and acoustic quality were key considerations in the process of the amphitheater’s design. Extensive outreach and dialogue with community members, performers, Landmarks groups, and Seattle Parks and Recreation strongly informed the design approach and engendered broad project support. ORA developed initial feasibility studies and concept design in 2015-2016 and following a successful fund-raising effort that secured major public and private financial support, the team completed construction documents and permitting in Summer 2020. Construction commenced in Spring 2021, and the Grand Opening was on July 2nd, 2022.

Image Credits: Built Work Photography, Sam Arellano, Evan Richards