Rotary Viewpoint

Rotary Viewpoint is a small park located in the Delridge neighborhood of West Seattle, Washington. Situated at the intersection of SW Alaska Street and 35th Avenue SW, this park offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and wide-angle vistas of the downtown Seattle skyline.

The park's history dates back to the early 1970s when it was just a neglected piece of city-owned property. In 1974, the Rotary Club of West Seattle adopted the site as a community project, transforming it into a public viewpoint over the course of nearly three years. The project cost approximately $3,000 and was completed entirely by volunteers.

One of the most notable features of Rotary Viewpoint is its 18-foot totem pole, which dominates the park's landscape. Carved in 1976 by Robin Young, a Native American artist from South Dakota, the totem pole features a large thunderbird with spread wings at the top. Other figures carved into the red cedar log symbolize various aspects of Pacific Northwest history.

The park was formally presented to Seattle's Mayor Wesley C. Uhlman on August 10, 1976, in a ceremony attended by civic dignitaries and local residents. It was dedicated to Norman A. "Normie" Beers, a longtime Rotarian, Chamber of Commerce member, and West Seattle community activist who spearheaded the park's creation.

In 2009, the park's totem pole was briefly stolen but was recovered and subsequently restored. This incident led to a re-dedication ceremony held on August 10, 2010, which included participation from leaders of the Duwamish tribe and members of the Haida Tribe.

Today, Rotary Viewpoint continues to serve as a peaceful spot for visitors to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the West Seattle Golf Course to the east.