City of Auburn preserves Soos Creek Botanical Garden as public open space

By the Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department

The City of Auburn has completed a conservation-focused purchase of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center property, a step designed to permanently protect the land from future development while keeping the garden open and accessible to the public.

The property was not listed for sale on the open market, and the transaction does not reflect a change in the financial health or mission of the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation. Rather, the purchase fulfills the long-term vision of founders Morris Skagen and his late partner, Jim Daly, to ensure the garden remains protected and available for public benefit for generations to come.

That protection and conservation effort came in the form of a King County Conservation Futures Grant awarded to the City of Auburn in the amount of $2.1M. The grant supported the property purchase and other associated expenses. An additional $800,000 was generously donated by the founders as an equity gift toward the final purchase price.

“From the very beginning of the Garden nearly sixty years ago, it was always our plan that one day it would become a permanent gift to the community,” Skagen said. “As this once-rural area has grown and changed, it brings us even greater satisfaction to know that current and future generations will continue to enjoy this special place, filled with mature trees, peaceful natural spaces and beautiful plants.”

Located on Lea Hill at 29308 132nd Ave. SE, the Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center has long served Auburn and the surrounding region as a place to walk, learn, reflect and connect with nature. It is open for the season from early March to late October, Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.

“Soos Creek Botanical Garden gives people direct access to nature in a quiet, peaceful setting away from hustle and bustle,” said Thaniel Gouk, Parks Planning and Development Manager. “It is an outdoor classroom, a place for conservation, a place for history and a place where people can simply take a walk among beautiful gardens and mature trees. Preserving this property means protecting that experience for the Auburn community and for future generations.”

While the City owns the underlying property, the Soos Creek Botanical Garden Foundation will continue to operate and maintain the gardens, grounds, plant collections, buildings and public programming. As a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, the Foundation will also continue fundraising and accepting donations to support ongoing and long-term maintenance and operations. The Foundation was originally formed in 2009 for the preservation and enhancement of exceptional gardens for the benefit of the public. The Foundation, along with Skagen and Daly, improved, maintained and operated the property for public benefit, and this property purchase by the City of Auburn will allow the Foundation to continue that legacy.

“This is the kind of place that becomes more valuable as a city grows,” said Matt Jennings, Chair of the Auburn Parks Board. “This Botanical Garden gives people a chance to slow down, walk through beautiful gardens and woodlands, learn about the area’s history, and enjoy a quiet connection with nature away from the pace of everyday life. Preserving the Garden as a public space honors the incredible vision and dedication of the founders, while ensuring the community can continue to enjoy it for generations to come.”

The garden pairs mature plantings and designed garden spaces with the history of the Soos Creek Plateau. Its public garden areas include native woodland, a ravine garden, cedar grove, vegetable garden, heritage flower garden, pond, aviary, and other spaces designed for learning and reflection. The Foundation hosts many public and free events, such as free horticultural classes, musical experiences and more.