Purchase of Kruckeberg Garden commemorated

Local citizens and officials gather in Shoreline to celebrate the preservation of botanic garden for public use

The rainy weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those who gathered at the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden on June 7 to commemorate the city of Shoreline’s purchase of the garden. The Shoreline Parks Department will maintain the four-acre garden in collaboration with the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation. The city’s purchase of the garden was made possible in 2006 when Shoreline citizens passed the Parks, Open Space and Trails bond levy. The levy included $950,000 for the purchase of the garden.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who spoke at the event, also helped secure approximately $300,000 in King County funds to assist with the transfer and operation of the garden. Ferguson served on the Kruckeberg Foundation’s Board, and provided free legal services to assist with establishing the foundation’s non-profit status and incorporation.

“This garden will be one of the crown jewels of the Shoreline Parks Department,” said Ferguson, who chairs the County Council’s Operating Budget Committee. “The Kruckeberg family and citizens of Shoreline have preserved a very special place.”

“The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a unique and wonderful addition to the Shoreline Park system. Dr. Kruckeberg and the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation have done wonderful work throughout the region and we look forward to the many benefits that the garden will bring to the citizens of Shoreline,” said Bill Clements following Saturday’s dedication. Clements is chair of the Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Board.

The garden was founded in 1958 by Art and Mareen Kruckeberg. The Kruckebergs maintained the garden through the decades until January 2008, when Art completed the sale of the garden to the City of Shoreline. Mareen passed away in 2003.

The garden is open to the public at designated hours. It is located at 20312 Fifteenth Avenue Northwest, in Shoreline.