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The Arboretum's History
Inception
The idea of a public arboretum in south King County began to take form in 1965 at a small meeting in the Renton home of George Tersiisky, a then-recent immigrant from Bulgaria. Enthused by Tersiisky's dream, the first supporters, Ardis Johnson, Lillie Wagner and Mayor Isabel Hogan, recruited like-minded volunteers and designed a blueprint for action. A non-profit foundation was incorporated in the State of Washington in 1965 as the South King County Arboretum Foundation (SKCAF).Busy years followed as the founders addressed the many needs of a young organization with limited funds and minimal public familiarity. encouraged by enthusiastic correspondence from many public officials, they began to search for an affordable and appropriate site.
Site Selected
In October 1967, King County approved in principle the concept of an arboretum on a portion of the acreage held by King County Parks Department – the former Gaffney Resort on lake wilderness in Maple Valley. In 1969, the King County Parks Dept. gave final approval to a partnership with the Foundation for the development and management of an arboretum on 40 acres of the Gaffney property.
Design Completed and Implemented
In 1970, the County engaged an architect whose overall design for the Lake Wilderness Arboretum was approved by the Parks Dept. and endorsed by the Foundation. A growing membership and devoted volunteers proceeded to enact manageable elements of the design. The resort's old corral became an active nursery for the propagation of plants, including trees and shrubs.
Funding and Development
Development and operation required funding, and the concept of a plant sale originated. In 1971, donations and nursery stock went on sale on the board walk at the Golden Steer Restaurant at 240th and Benson in Kent. Now sited at the Arboretum, Spring and Fall Plant Sales have become annual events and a major funding source, as well as an educational event and a community festival.In 1972, augmented by Forward Thrust funds, the County installed a well, electricity, a lath house with overhead irrigation, and cyclone fencing at the nursery site. These projects were jointly completed with Arboretum volunteers and students hired by the King County Work Program. Later in the 80s, the County approved and funded the field irrigation, installed by volunteers and work program youth.
County-wide comprehensive planning in the early 90s involved community input to establish the use of public property in King County. The resulting plans for the part and arboretum serve as a guideline as the Foundation continues to develop the Arboretum in to a regional resource.
Western Azalea Garden Added
The 2000 dedication of the Smith-Mossman Western Azalea garden marked the addition of a significant collection to the public gardens at Lake Wilderness Arboretum. The collection of Western Azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) is one of the world's largest.
Acquisition by City of Maple Valley
The recently incorporated City of Maple Valley finalized the transfer of Lake Wilderness Park and the Arboretum from King County in January 2003. In April 2003, the name was changed from South King County Arboretum to Lake Wilderness Arboretum, which was its original name. The name of the Arboretum Foundation was change to Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation (LWAF) in 2007.
The Future
The Arboretum is one of the few remaining public gardens in south King County. It is a retreat and an outdoor classroom. The trails that meander through natural forests, display gardens, and the nursery should be protected for future generations. The connection to the Lake Wilderness Park and the partnership with the City of Maple Valley will mean the 40 acres will continue to enhance the natural beauty of the community.Opportunities and responsibilities abound as the Foundation moves into the 21st century and carries the vision of its founders forward in a rapidly growing region of King County, Washington.
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| Mailing Address: LWAF, Box 72, Maple Valley,WA 98038 | ||
| Street Location: 22520 SE 248th Maple Valley,WA | ||
| Phones: 425-413-2572 or 206-366-2125 | ||
| Permission to copy granted: Webmaster@LakeWildernessArboretum.org | ||