Mill Creek Earthworks Park

Innovative Design

Constructed in 1982, this unique 104.7-acre public space represents a pioneering integration of art, ecology, and landscape architecture. It was designed by renowned Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer as both a functional stormwater detention facility and a modernist landscape artwork.

The park features sculpted earth forms, including cones, circles, lines, and berms, which are built into the alluvial delta at the mouth of Mill Creek Canyon. These elements serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, managing and revealing Mill Creek's episodic cycles of flood and drought.

Natural Features and Trails

The park offers nearly two miles of trails winding through a forested canyon, providing opportunities for hiking and exploration in the heart of Kent. The park's landscape combines grass, concrete, a wooden bridge, and steps, working in harmony with the natural forces of Mill Creek.

Visitors can observe how the park functions during storm events, with certain areas becoming submerged as part of the water management system.

Historical Significance

In April 2008, the park was designated as Kent's first City Landmark, recognizing its exceptional significance in integrating public art with infrastructure.

The park has undergone restoration efforts to maintain its original design while adapting to more stringent flood control requirements. These efforts have included improving drainage, repaving pathways, and restoring key features such as the double-ring pond.

Community Value

The park serves as an educational resource, demonstrating the potential for combining artistic vision with practical environmental management. It continues to be a valued community space, offering both recreational opportunities and a unique example of land art.