Senior Managing Partner
The City has opened itself to a nuisance lawsuit for its failure to prioritize public safety by removing rotten ladders, catwalks and platforms from the Gas Work Park towers. There is no other more inherently dangerous public structure in this City:
Following the death of 15 year old Mattheis Johnson July 2025, Seattle Parks Department performed studies and obtained emergency funds to fix the problem. However, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods – Landmark Review Board, opposes change. Clinging to the notion of preserving the historical look of a toxic park where swimming is still prohibited. An area that has involved hundreds of million in cleanup efforts, with 80 million marked for the next several years alone.
“The edifice at Gas Works Park is designed to be climbed. Enough is enough. We will bring a lawsuit to declare the climbing structures a nuisance and for abatement. We will do so pro bono – without being paid. To honor the Johnson family and to protect our community.”
Karen Koehler of Stritmatter Law
Karen Koehler’s Letter to the City of Seattle Landmark Review Committee regarding Gas Works Park
Mo Hamoudi’s Letter to the City of Seattle Landmark Review Committee regarding Gas Works Park