Rotary Viewpoint

Panoramic Vistas

Situated at the intersection of SW Alaska Street and 35th Avenue SW in the Delridge neighborhood of West Seattle, this park offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and wide-angle vistas of the downtown Seattle skyline.

Visitors can also enjoy views of the West Seattle Golf Course to the east, making it a peaceful spot for contemplation and sightseeing.

Rich History

The park's history dates back to the early 1970s when it was just a neglected piece of city-owned property. In 1974, the Rotary Club of West Seattle adopted the site as a community project, transforming it into a public viewpoint over the course of nearly three years.

The project cost approximately $3,000 and was completed entirely by volunteers. The park was formally presented to Seattle's Mayor Wesley C. Uhlman on August 10, 1976, in a ceremony attended by civic dignitaries and local residents.

Cultural Significance

One of the most notable features of Rotary Viewpoint is its 18-foot totem pole, which dominates the park's landscape. Carved in 1976 by Robin Young, a Native American artist from South Dakota, the totem pole features a large thunderbird with spread wings at the top.

Other figures carved into the red cedar log symbolize various aspects of Pacific Northwest history. The park was dedicated to Norman A. "Normie" Beers, a longtime Rotarian, Chamber of Commerce member, and West Seattle community activist who spearheaded the park's creation.

Recent Developments

In 2009, the park's totem pole was briefly stolen but was recovered and subsequently restored. This incident led to a re-dedication ceremony held on August 10, 2010, which included participation from leaders of the Duwamish tribe and members of the Haida Tribe.