On Wednesday, October 15th, The City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board rejected a proposal by Seattle Parks & Recreation to make the Gas Works structure safer, because it would alter the esthetics of the historical landmark. (Axios Seattle article). Parks & Recreation's proposal was very logical and clear in its goals: Specifically remove “Pedestrian Appurtenances” that are designed to convey human beings vertically and horizontally along the towers, designed for the purposes of maintaining/servicing and operating the former gas works facility. The working assumption is that these appurtenances provide platforms and access for graffiti and have been accessed by trespassers to climb the towers, notwithstanding fencing and signage. Falls have occurred resulting in serious injury and death. Removing the appurtenances will eliminate them as a means of access, promoting public health and safety. SPR’s plan to remove only the pedestrian appurtenances, and the one pipe that extends beyond the fence, is in keeping with Rich Haag’s vision (original park planner, c. 1975) to preserve the towers as the monolithic representation of the historic gas works. SPR is proposing to remove elements from the towers consistent with Rich’s acknowledgement that structures would be modified for public safety. Full Seattle Parks & Rec proposal here. Since 2008, fifteen (15) reported fall incidents have occurred – 14 of which were responded to by the Seattle Fire Department per their records as follows: 2008 Injuries 2009 Life threatening injuries 2012 Dead 2012 Multiple fractures 2013 Head and liver life threatening injuries 2014 Multiple fractures 2015 Head and internal life-threatening injuries 2016 Multiple fractures 2019 Significant injuries 2022 Dead 2023 Brain injured 2024 Significant injuries 2025 Dead On October 28th, the family of Mattheis Johnson (who died in July after falling 50ft from one of the towers) sued the City of Seattle to ask a Judge to declare the Gas works structures a legal "nuisance" which would force the City to move forward with abatement and a public apology to those impacted by these preventable deaths and falls. The law firm is doing this for FREE and the family are not suing for financial compensation, but for PUBLIC SAFETY. As concerned Seattle residents and parents who do not want to see another fatality or near fatal incident occur because of the Gas Works Park structures, we are reaching out to ask for your support in a few ways. 1) Build a list of "Community Supporters" who endorse the Seattle Parks & Rec plan to increase public health and safety of the beloved Gas Works park. 2) When you join this list, you are agreeing to share your name, email and district publicly with elected city officials (including those on the City Council, Seattle Parks & Rec and the Mayor's office), and appointed Board members of Landmark Preservation Board. 3) If you don't want to share your name and email publicly, please answer the OPT OUT question below but OPT IN to further communications from this public campaign. THANK YOU! Melissa Riddington & Roisin McGlynn

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On Wednesday, October 15th, The City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board rejected a proposal by Seattle Parks & Recreation to make the Gas Works structure safer, because it would alter the estheti...

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By two SPS dads

Attorneys representing the family of 15-year-old Mattheis Johnson, who died after falling from a structure at Gas Works Park in July, say they intend to sue.