Craving a moment of quiet reflection amidst the city’s hustle? Reflective Refuge at Meadowbrook Pond offers just that. This unique space in Northeast Seattle wasn’t always so serene. Time to travel back to a not-so-fragrant past.
Once, this site housed the Lake City sewage-treatment plant. Imagine that. Built in 1952, it became a storage facility and auto shop for Nathan Hale High School. Then, in 1989, plans for Meadowbrook Pond began. The plant was demolished in 1990.
Now, fast forward to 1998. Reflective Refuge at Meadowbrook Pond opened to the public. It stands as a testament to community involvement and artistic vision. Seattle Public Utilities transformed a “big hole in the ground” into a beautiful and functional space.
The pond’s primary purpose is flood prevention. It sits in the historic flood plain of Thornton Creek. But it’s much more than just a water detention center. It’s a collaborative effort between the city and the community.
Local artists Lydia Aldredge, Peggy Gaynor, and Kate Wade added their creative touch. They designed curving pathways and rising berms. Native plant life thrives here. You might even spot a “guerrilla” pansy or two planted by volunteers.
The Reflective Refuge at Meadowbrook Pond features several artworks. These include the Sound Mirror, Sound Reflector Wall, Flood Pool, and Tufa Cliff Wall. Also Wetland Mosaic and Earth Sculpture can be discovered. These elements engage your senses. Sight, sound, smell, and touch connect you with nature.
Shana Faulkner often brings her nephews here. They enjoy looping around the trails and visiting the sound-reflecting disk. Her nephew likes to make chirping noises and yell into the disk.
Wildlife abounds at Reflective Refuge at Meadowbrook Pond. Beavers, muskrats, and otters have made this place their home. Many bird species thrive here too. You might spot owls, eagles, hawks, or herons.
Interpretive signage explains the pond’s role in the Thornton Creek Watershed. It shows how our actions impact the environment. What we use on our lawns ends up in the pond.
The constant humming of Thornton Creek adds to the tranquil atmosphere. The pond provides a nice escape. It is a place to reconnect with yourself and nature.
Reflective Refuge at Meadowbrook Pond won the 1998 Artistic Merit Award. It recognized the excellence in concrete construction and special applications.
So next time you need a break, visit Reflective Refuge at Meadowbrook Pond. Walk the pathways, listen to the creek, and reflect on the beauty around you.