From Roger Sale’s Writing a History of Seattle, a 21-part series broadcast on KRAB radio in 1970 and rebroadcast in 1975.

Seattle’s parks and boulevards were considered genteel. The abundant outdoor spaces were a place for the upper middle class to establish themselves because most parks required a car to get there. Seattle was unique in the number of parks developed so early in the city’s history. The parks were well-adapted to the landscape and showcased all of the area’s natural beauty and riches.