Colman Park to Leschi Park

"From here north to E. Alder Street in Leschi, the lakeside road is named Lakeside Avenue, and Lake Washington Boulevard diverts to a winding route through Colman, Frink, and Leschi Parks."

Jennifer Ott, Lake Washington Boulevard (Seattle)

At Colman Park, a few blocks south of where the I-90 freeway now reaches shore and tunnels through the ridge, Frink Boulevard, which was graded but not ready to be macadamized (paved) until 1910, left the shoreline and zigzagged up the hill through the park and then traveled north along the ridge to Frink Park, some eight blocks north of today's I-90.

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Many current users of the boulevard use Lakeside Avenue S, which travels along the shore below the ridge between Leschi and Colman parks, rather than following the official boulevard up to and back down from the ridge.

"David Streatfield points out at Colman and Frink Parks: "It is clear that Olmsted recognized the fragility of the environment in these ravines." He did not alter the rough terrain, wild growth, and tall trees, except next to the roads. The winding roads follow the land's contours, while the overpasses allow people to easily move through the park. Many consider these parks to be the best examples of Olmsted park design in Seattle."

"In 1912 Olmsted recommended removing the wooden foot trestle in Frink Park, which had been in an earlier plan, once a concrete boulevard bridge was built."

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