The recent decision (October 2025) by the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board to deny the removal of hazardous catwalks and ladders from the gas works structures in Gas Works Park has ignited significant concern among residents, families, and safety advocates. While our heritage holds immense value, it is paramount that it does not come at the cost of endangering human lives. 

On Wednesday, October 15th, The City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board rejected a proposal by Seattle Parks & Recreation to make the Gas Works structure safer, because it would alter the esthetics of the historical landmark. (Axios Seattle article).

Seattle Parks & Recreation's proposal was very logical and clear in its goals:

Specifically remove “Pedestrian Appurtenances” that are designed to convey human beings vertically and horizontally along the towers, designed for the purposes of maintaining/servicing and operating the former gas works facility. The working assumption is that these appurtenances provide platforms and access for graffiti and have been accessed by trespassers to climb the towers, notwithstanding fencing and signage. Falls have occurred resulting in serious injury and death. Removing the appurtenances will eliminate them as a means of access, promoting public health and safety.   

SPR’s plan to remove only the pedestrian appurtenances, and the one pipe that extends beyond the fence, is in keeping with Rich Haag’s vision (original park planner, c. 1975) to preserve the towers as the monolithic representation of the historic gas works. SPR is proposing to remove elements from the towers consistent with Rich’s acknowledgement that structures would be modified for public safety. 

Full Seattle Parks & Rec proposal here. 

Gas Works Park, a notable landmark in Seattle, attracts locals and tourists alike with its rich historical architecture and scenic views. Unfortunately, the same structures that charm visitors also pose serious safety hazards.

Since 2008, fifteen (15) reported fall incidents have occurred – 14 of which were responded to by the Seattle Fire Department per their records as follows:

2008 Injuries
2009 Life threatening injuries
2012 Dead
2012 Multiple fractures
2013 Head and liver life threatening injuries
2014 Multiple fractures
2015 Head and internal life-threatening injuries
2016 Multiple fractures
2019 Significant injuries
2022 Dead
2023 Brain injured
2024 Significant injuries
2025 Dead

The Landmark Board decision to maintain potentially unsafe structures without modification is one we need to re-evaluate, given the fatal risks involved. In fact, the suggestion by the Landmark Preservation Board to install lights and cameras will not change teenager behavior and will only serve to DOCUMENT the next fall.  Teenage brains asses risk in a very different way than an adult brain - it's programmed to take risks, to push the boundaries in order to develop into maturity. 

There have already been preventable accidents that could have been mitigated had the structures been properly assessed and modified accordingly. The measures already put in place by the City DO NOT DETER CLIMBING and a "No Trespassing" sign does not make the city less liable. Gas Works Park is an attractive nuisance (inviting irresistible attention from young people who see it as a structure to climb) and must be altered as proposed BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE. Locally, climbing Gas Works is seen as a "right of passage" by young people and has been for decades.

This October 15 decision by the Landmark Preservation Board could have been APPEALED by the City of Seattle but they did not. They have the will and the budget to do so. The landmark board is made up of appointees by the Mayor's Office with no experience or lens to public safety.

On October 28th, the family of Mattheis Johnson (who died in July after falling 50ft from one of the towers) sued the City of Seattle to ask a Judge to declare the Gas works structures a legal "nuisance" which would force the City to move forward with abatement and a public apology to those impacted by these preventable deaths and falls. The law firm is doing this for FREE and the family are not suing for financial compensation, but for PUBLIC SAFETY.

On November 5, we organized to gather over 600 names and emails from concerned Seattle residents; to attend and email the Landmark Board meeting to demand they consider public safety over landmark history. We sent emails to the Mayor's office, city councilors and Seattle Parks & Recreation. We have received NO response, in part because of the lawsuit.

However, if the City wants to save time, money, our tax dollars, landmarks AND LIVES, they have the power to appeal this decision TODAY and we will not need a Judge to break up this unnecessary and tone deaf fight.  There is precedence here: the Aurora Bridge, a historic landmark, installed suicide barriers and there hasn't been a single death since. That was a decision made by the Landmark Preservation Board - to center PUBLIC SAFETY over historic interests.

As concerned Seattle residents and parents who do not want to see another fatality or near fatal incident occur because of the Gas Works Park structures, we are reaching out to ask you to endorse this petition - TO CALL ON THE CITY OF SEATTLE TO APPEAL THE LANDMARK BOARD DECISION. 

The city of Seattle has the responsibility to guarantee the safety of all its residents and visitors. By appealing the Landmark Preservation Board's decision, we can find a balanced solution that marries the preservation philosophy with modern-day safety standards.

We urge the city to reconsider this decision before any more tragedies occur. Let’s prioritize innovation in preservation and take proactive measures to prevent tragic accidents. Your signature can push for the necessary actions to amend this decision, achieving a safer environment for everyone.

Sign this petition today to help us appeal the Seattle Landmark Preservation Board’s decision. Together, we can protect our history without compromising the safety of our community and visitors.

NO MORE DEATHS AT GASWORKS PARK. LIVES OVER LADDERS.

Roisin McGlynn & Melissa Riddington