Alki Pump Station 38 improvements project will bring map inspired art to the beach
Alki Pump Station 38 improvements project will bring map inspired art to the beach
This is the preliminary art concept for the artwork to be installed at Pump Station 38 on Alki Beach. Inspired by a topographical map of Seattle printed in 1894, the proposed design calls to mind patterns in nature such as; the rippling of water, growth rings in a tree, shellfish, and even fingerprints. The artwork is intended to become an inviting destination for trail-goers to explore themes of connection to place, history, nature and human influence; specific to Alki Beach.
Art by Sarah Moore.
Fri, 08/14/2020
information from Seattle Public Utilities
SPU operates a pump station in north end of Alki Beach Park, which helps to move drainage and wastewater from the surrounding area to the treatment plant. This pump station, known as Pump Station 38, has required significant maintenance and is in need of improvements. In addition, Pump Station (PS) 38 has experienced a significant increase in flows over recent years which cause the air compressors to run more frequently and for longer periods.
For this project, SPU will convert the current pump station from an airlift type station to a more standard pump station. This conversion will improve service reliability, improve system performance, and reduce maintenance requirements and costs.
In addition to the improvements in and around the pump station, SPU is working with an artist to complete an art installation at the area around the pump station.
Construction is expected to start in early 2021.
Alki Pump Station 38 Improvement Project: Art Installation
Artist, Sarah Thompson Moore, developed this proposed artwork for the Seattle Public Utilities Alki Pump Station 38 Improvement Project. The artwork seeks to create an engaging and thoughtful space in which visitors can participate in the richly layered story of this well- loved site.
The inspiration for the artwork coming to the site.
The rich natural history of Alki Beach and West Seattle infuses the area with a profound sense of place. From the vast water vistas and creatures within to the unique and difficult terrain that once housed forests of ancient cedar trees, there is a story here that is as long as it is deep.
This piece is currently in the initial phase of design, and we are seeking feedback from the community to inform the final design of the art installation on Alki.
