Engage your senses as we approach the Meridian Archway. This isn’t just an entryway. It’s a journey through time and texture. The Meridian Archway, crafted by Charles Greening in 1981, marks the northwest entrance to Meridian Playground.
At first glance, the Meridian Archway seems to be a simple stone arch. But step closer. Prepare to be amazed. The entryway unveils a unique switchback path. It is walled and constructed of thousands of rocks.
As you walk along this path notice the incredible variety of stones. Cascade river rocks are here. Also see Mexican geodes and fossils from the Oregon coast. Columnar basalt, snowflake obsidian, and lava from eastern Washington add to the mix. Large, black rocks from the Toutle River before Mount St. Helens’ 1980 eruption are also present. Even granite pieces from old Seattle street curbs have found a home here in the Meridian Archway.
But the surprises don’t stop there at the Meridian Archway. Greening embedded specific objects within the layered rocks. Many were donated by friends and neighbors. Look for a shell from Greece. Apache tears from Arizona are here. Coral from Idaho and petrified sand dollars from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park can be found. Bronze medallions, petrified wood, and even a collection of keys are embedded in the walls. The artist even gathered pieces from various yard sales to create the Meridian Archway.
Consider it a treasure hunt. Look closely. You’re likely to find unusual treasures every few inches here at the Meridian Archway.
The entryway features separate sections of conglomerate rocks. Fossils, lava rocks, and metamorphic rocks are all carefully arranged. Greening employed traditional stonemason methods to carve the curves in the wall. These methods are rarely used today. A recessed seat provides a place to rest and reflect. Small pockets filled with soil allow for greenery and flowers to grow.
Charles Greening created the Meridian Archway with assistance from Mary Kern and Robert Williamson. This artwork was funded by various sources. They include the Parks and Recreation Acquisition and Development Fund and the Seattle Design Commission. The Wallingford Community Council also contributed.
The Meridian Archway also directly addressed accessibility. It provides a wheelchair-friendly ramp to ease the transition into the park. This was done even before the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted.
Greening described the arch’s basic concept as moving from vertical to horizontal. The arch represents verticality. The park’s horizon line embodies horizontality. The rocks play with this idea.
As you reach the top of the path and pause by the recessed seat, take in the view. Meridian Park stretches out before you. Think about the journey you’ve just taken through this amazing piece of art. The Meridian Archway is more than just an entrance. It is a testament to community, art, and nature’s beauty. It’s a place where the past and present merge seamlessly.