Sather Trails

General Location:

Entrances to the park are located off Adam St., Foster St., and Cosgrove St.

General Description:

An urban forest of mature native trees including Douglas Fir and madrona that provide a green buffer amid a densely populated neighborhood.

History:

The 6.72 acres now known as Sather Park on Morgan Hill includes the site of a failed vision of grandeur started during Port Townsend’s 19th century boom years. An elegant three-story hotel called the Mountain View was begun in 1886 by Captain H.E. Morgan as a part of the platted Mountain View Addition, but it was never finished. The building was abandoned and blew down in a windstorm in 1916. The site became Sather Park when Jefferson County sold it to the City for $50 in 1925. The park was named after Mayor Floyd Sather, who arranged the sale and dedicated the land for park use. The area where the hotel once stood is now a clearing in the center of the park.

In 1974, Park Board discussions considered development of nature trails and ponds fed from the (then) nearby city reservoir. In the 1975 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan, Sather was still described as a ‘proposed’ park and recommended for development with volunteer effort into a nature park with a defined budget and timeline. Recommendations included planting only native species and retaining the natural character.

Currently, there are large efforts made by local volunteers to restore Sather Park. The group meets to remove invasive species and plant native trees and shrubs to ensure access to nature for many generations to come.

Total Acreage:

5.28 ac