Here stands the Playform Sculpture. It is a testament to art’s enduring power to transform spaces. This sculpture resides within the vibrant Volunteer Park playground. It offers children not just a play area but also a chance to engage with abstract design.
The Playform Sculpture was installed in 1962. It became a tribute to Dorothy Block. She served on the Board of Park Commissioners when she passed away. The sculpture’s installation was noted in a newspaper article. It would provide a climbing space. It would also foster an appreciation for abstract design among children.
Volunteer Park itself has a rich history. Neighborhood parks developed in Seattle in the early 20th century. These parks often featured playgrounds. Civic leaders and landscape architects understood play spaces’ importance for children. Olmsted, a landscape architect, typically included two distinct play areas. Little Folks Lawns offered protected spaces for small children. Areas with larger playground equipment provided space for older children. They could climb, run, and play on swings and slides.
Initially, Olmsted separated these areas significantly in Volunteer Park. He placed the Little Folks Lawn, shelter house, and wading pool in the northeast corner. The playground for older children was planned for the southwest corner near Prospect Street. The plan included swings, ropes, bars, and a Giant Stride. The Giant Stride featured a pole with hanging ropes. Children could grab a rope and run in a circle until their feet lifted off the ground.
However, neighbors feared the noise from the playground. It would disrupt adjacent homes along Federal Avenue. Olmsted relocated the playground to the northeast corner. It was placed just east of the wading pool, its current location.
The Playform Sculpture enhances this playground. Seattle sculptor Charles Smith created it. It serves as more than just a piece of art. It is an interactive structure. Children can climb and explore its unique form. The sculpture helps kids develop an understanding of abstract design.
Walking around the Playform Sculpture allows you to appreciate its context. The path alongside the wading pool leads up the hill. It then arcs around Olmsted’s Little Folks Lawn. This design reflects early 20th-century park planning. Parks were intended to provide diverse recreational opportunities for all ages.
Consider how the Playform Sculpture enriches Volunteer Park. It’s not just about physical activity. It encourages children to think creatively. It exposes them to art in an accessible way. The sculpture honors Dorothy Block’s commitment to the park system. Her legacy continues to inspire.