Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Colonnade Freeride Park

Seattle

Washington

USA

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
August 13, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

For decades, Interstate 5 in Seattle--an elevated freeway, built in 1962, that divides Eastlake and Capitol Hill--was a source of isolation, noise pollution, and frustration for its neighboring communities. For many years, the stretch of shadowy, secluded land beneath I-5 has been unused and in disrepair. Today, it is a whole new world under the freeway, an area that has been reclaimed as public space and an important asset for adjacent neighborhoods. The transformation began in 2000, when Seattle’s Parks and Recreation department dedicated funds towards cleaning up and improving the seven-and-a-half acres beneath the freeway. In response, the Eastlake Neighborhood Council began discussing potential strategies for further repurposing the space. One proposal by Simon Lawton, local resident and owner of the Fluidride bike shops, suggested the creation of a mountain bike park in the space. The idea gained traction with the community-based Eastlake Neighborhood Council, a nonprofit group called Urban Parks, as well as the Seattle parks department.

Along with approval for the Colonnade Freeride Park, the city also launched plans for an off-leash dog park and a stairway reconnecting the neighborhoods that flank the freeway. The mountain biking park was executed by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, with the help of many volunteers, who received funds from the Seattle Parks Department, a series of grants, along with corporate sponsorships from companies such as Starbucks and Clif Bar. The park opened in 2005 and has since become a popular destination for mountain bikers of all levels, as well as a point of pride for the surrounding communities.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, all: Ralph Underwood via Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance

Follow Colonnade Freeride Park 

Website: evergreenmtb.org

Facebook: facebook.com/EvergreenMTB

Twitter: @EvergreenMTB

Colonnade Freeride Park
The park welcomes everyone, from beginners to experts
Colonnade Freeride Park
Impressive stuff at Colonnade Freeride Park
Colonnade Freeride Park
Colonnade Freeride Park
Colonnade Freeride Park
Colonnade Freeride Park
Colonnade Freeride Park
Colonnade Freeride Park

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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