July 2026

Events

Visit the WASLA Event Calendar for more information on events.

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WASLA Board of Directors

President
Mike Faulkner, ASLA

President Elect
Rachel Gleeson, ASLA

Trustee
Tim Slazinik, ASLA

Treasurer
Su Wanqin, ASLA

Member at Large

Cresha Wee, ASLA

Member at Large, Eastern WA
Dan Cronan, ASLA

Member at Large, Western WA
Rhiannon Neuville, ASLA

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President's Remarks

Hello WASLA Members,

As we head into August, we're looking forward to this year's WASLA Field Day at the University of Washington. Step away from the office, spend a summer Friday outdoors, and experience the campus through a series of walking tours. Participants can choose from ten tours while earning up to five LA CES continuing education credits.

Attendees can explore the history and evolution of Rainier Vista, discover how ecology, education, and food systems come together at the UW Farm, or learn about the evolving public realm and urban design shaping Seattle's U District. Along with a keynote by Kristine Kenney, Director of Planning and Landscape Architecture at the University of Washington, the day offers a great opportunity to learn directly from the designers, planners, and stewards helping shape one of the country's most beautiful campuses.

Voting is also underway for the 2026-2027 WASLA Board of Directors. I'd like to thank our current Board members for their dedication and volunteer service throughout the past year. While conferences and events are the most visible part of what we do, the Board also works throughout the year to support advocacy, scholarships, student engagement, financial stewardship, chapter operations, and coordination with ASLA. The Board’s commitment helps ensure a strong and active chapter for our members across Washington. If you haven't already, please take a few moments to cast your ballot and help shape WASLA's future. Vote here.

Finally, professional award submissions are now open through August 28. If you've been considering a submission, now is a great time to start pulling your materials together and showcasing your recent work. We look forward to seeing and celebrating the outstanding work taking place across Washington.

Thank you for your continued support of WASLA. I look forward to seeing many of you at Field Day and spending time outside exploring, learning, and studying the landscapes that make Washington a great place to live and practice.

Best regards,

Mike Faulkner

WASLA President

2026 WASLA Field Day

The Field Day Agenda is Here!

We can't wait to share these amazing walking tours with you. Each tour and the keynote presentation will qualify for HSW LA CES*.

*Pending Approval

Be sure to check out the tour descriptions here.

Join us on August 14th at Oak Hall, University of Washington.

Call for 2026 Professional Award Entries

October 21, 2026 | 5:30pm to 9:30pm

AWARD ENTRIES MAY BE SUBMITTED BETWEEN NOW AND AUGUST 28, 2026

Award Descriptions

Award of Excellence may be presented to a single entry in each category for a project that truly stands far and above all other entries and embodies the spirit and understanding that best reflects the Vision and Mission of ASLA.
Honor Award is presented for superior professional accomplishment and a higher level of excellence recognized in the work presented.

Award Categories

General Design|Public Ownership
General Design|Private Ownership
Residential Design
Analysis and Planning
Urban Design
Community Stewardship
Outstanding Emerging Professional
Green Ribbon Award!

LEARN MORE

Submit Here

50th Anniversary of Freeway Park

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Freeway Park and join a civic discussion on the evolution of this nationally significant urban design project. A moderated panel discussion with expert speakers will bring the audience along a journey of past, present, and future. We’ll think about growth and reconnection of the Downtown and First Hill neighborhoods over the past half-century, the successes and challenges stewarding this urban park through the Freeway Park Association, an update on the current capital improvements project, the implications of being a designated landmark, and how the park is inspiring the future Lid I-5 project that seeks to expand public land over the freeway below.

Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Location: Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave - West entrance

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Doors open at 5:00 pm for a social hour, and the program begins at 6:00 pm. The moderated panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session, and doors close at 8:00 pm.

There will be a no-host cash bar for drinks, and light food available for free. The panel discussion will be video recorded and made available online after the event.

This event is volunteer-powered and paid for by the generosity of donors. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation when you register.

The Seattle Parks & Recreation Department is not involved with this event. To report current maintenance or security issues at any public park, please use the Find It, Fix It app or call (206) 684-7250.

Find information on transportation and parking for Town Hall here.

Lid I-5 thanks our sponsors, Seattle Parks Foundation and Freeway Park Association for their valuable advice and organizational support. Learn more about the organizations and other events:

lidi5.org

freewayparkassociation.org

seattleparksfoundation.org