Yes! Finally!
Come visit the new Seward Park Torii! 1/13/2021

Construction
The torii is going up right now (10/27/2020)! Take a look!
Attaching the second hashira (column) to the crane

Up we go!

Drilling holes in the kasagi to attach it to the hashira

Fitting the holes in the kasagi onto the iron rods in the hashira

Wow! Looking out to Andrews Bay

The Seward Park Torii is nearing completion! At long last, on Tussday October 27, 2020, the columns arrived and were raised. The kasagi (lintel) was put on. Over the next week or two the nuki (crossbeam) was installed and the sando (plaza and walkway) was poured. All that is left is to reseed the grass and install the historical marker and donor recognition. So exciting to see this finally happen!

We reached our goal of $315K to build the Torii in 2017. and Seattle Parks and Recreation took over the project to oversee the construction. They even have a page for us: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/seward-park-torii-gate

We are preparing to install the donor recognition and historical sign, honoring the donors who made this possible and telling briefly the story of the old and new torii.

Our plans for an opening celebration are on hold due to the pandemic. Keep watch for updates and enjoy a socially distant outdoor  visit to the torii  during cherry blossom season this April of 2021. We look forward to seeing you there, whenever we are able to celebrate.
Donate! here

Seward Park Torii Project  
                        











artist rendition of new torii, by Ted Weinberg

For 50 years the entrance to Seward Park was distinguished by a 26-foot tall torii. Now the Friends of Seward Park, with support from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, the Seattle Parks Foundation, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and many other community members, are working to build a replacement for the former neighborhood icon.

Watch the "Seward Park Torii Story" 
link to documentary
The history of the Seward Park Torii unfolds in this documentary created by John Thorpe and Janis Medley in 2015.  This oral history project was funded by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

What is the plan for the new torii?
With a planning grant from the Department of Neighborhoods, the Friends of Seward Park hired landscape architectural firm Murase Associates, working with Takumi Company, to gather community input on the design  of the torii. Community participants chose a design that honors the original Seward Park torii, addresses concerns about long-term maintenance, and reflects current community values  and the wilderness character of the park. The columns (hashira) of the torii will be made of natural basalt columns from central Washington. The lintel (kasagi) will be made of a single minimally worked piece of western red cedar. The crosspiece (nuki) will be a worked piece of wood that contrasts with the kasagi
Like the original Seward Park torii, this design takes inspiration from the famous 'floating' torii of Itsukushima shrine at Miyajima, Japan. The hashira are tapered upward like the camphor trees that form the hashira at Miyajima.
The torii will be located close to the site of its predecessor on the north side of the Seward Park Entrance Circle. 

Do you remember the original torii?
Our oral history project is wrapped up, but there is still time to tell us your memories of the torii.  Send us your memories, your impressions, or tell us why you support the new torii. It doesn't have to be fancy or more than a sentence. Send us an email to sewardparkfriends@gmail.com or post a comment on our Facebook page (click the icon below).

How can I help?

How can I learn more?
Watch our video "The Seward Park Torii Story" using the link at the top of this page. Download our informational brochures at the top right  of this page, or below. Click the links on the left for the Torii Slide Show, the Story of the Seward Park Torii, Torii FAQ, and All About Torii (from Wikipedia).
Return here often to learn more as we update this site with new information and our progress.  

Thank you,
Friends of Seward Park

 


Original Seward Park Torii














Seward Park Torii, 1935-1986 
Photograph: Seward Park, 1935, Seattle Municipal Archives, Architect: Kichio Allen Arai
Carpenter: Kichisaburo Ishimitsu          



Major Donors




Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods Matching Fund Award
Tsuchino and Mike Forrester
The Tateuchi Foundation
Stim Bullitt Parks Excellence Fund
Mimi Kraus Estate
Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation
The John L. O'Brien Family
Nintendo Company

Supporters
Friends of Seward Park 
Japanese Community Service
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington
Japanese Queen Scholarship Organization
Lakewood Seward Park Community Club
Rainier Valley Historical Society
Seattle Parks and Recreation
Seattle Parks Foundation
Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival
Seattle Kishu Club
Seward Park Audubon Center
Wing Luke Museum
Knute Berger, Journalist & author
Rimban Castro, Seattle Buddhist Church
Bruce Harrell, Council President Seattle
Bob Hasegawa, State Senator, 11th District
Tom Ikeda, Densho Project
Sharon Tomiko Santos, State Representative, 37th District

the new torii is in collaboration with Seattle Parks Foundation and Seattle Parks and Recreation





New! Download a brochure!

Torii Project Brochure:
Torii tri fold 2015.07.16 -1.pdf

Self-guided Walking Tour of Japanese Gifts

Cherry Blossoms in Seward Park
Hanami trifold3.docx
 
        
Please Donate! here


 Media Coverage

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Paul Talbert,
Oct 9, 2015, 10:36 PM
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Logos.pptx
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Paul Talbert,
Oct 10, 2015, 12:48 AM
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Paul Talbert,
Feb 28, 2013, 10:41 PM
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Paul Talbert,
Sep 8, 2015, 1:35 AM
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Paul Talbert,
Oct 10, 2015, 12:43 AM