National Park City Playground
Mount Rainer in the Twentieth Century
by Theodre Catton
$ 16
National Park City Playground: Mount Rainier in the Twentieth Century by Theodore Catton is a compelling historical account that examines the complex relationship between Mount Rainier National Park and the surrounding urban areas of Seattle and Tacoma. Published by the University of Washington Press in 2006, the book explores how these cities’ residents and leaders influenced the park’s development, management, and significance over the 20th century. Catton highlights the political and social dynamics that shaped the park’s evolution, showing how urban interests and environmental conservation efforts often intersected and sometimes clashed. Through a detailed look at local activism, federal policies, and the park’s role in regional identity, the book offers insights into the broader implications of urban proximity to natural landmarks. This book is a real banger if you get excited about urban planning.