One of the greatest things about Seattle is its parks. If you have the chance to visit the seaport city during spring or summer when it’s not raining, you should definitely make a point of visiting a few of Seattle parks. Even if you’re visiting during the fall or winter season and/or the weather is not all too inviting, Seattle’s parks always lend themselves to get in touch with nature, take in some fresh air and maybe see some art. I had the opportunity to visit some new and old favorites when I spent a couple of days in Seattle in May. Here they are:
Pioneer Square Park
If it’s your first time in Seattle, you’ll likely not miss this park. Pioneer Square is an old neighborhood and the former heart of Seattle. It’s a place with history and thus a perfect starting point to learn about the old Seattle. The little Pioneer Park in this historic district is great to sit down and relax, have lunch and watch people. What makes this park unique are the historic street lamps lining the park, a totem pole as well as the Iron Pergola. There are also many art galleries in the area and art events are hosted frequently.
Occidental Square
This park is only about a block away from Pioneer Square Park. It used to be a parking lot but nowadays it is filled with colorful tables and chairs inviting you to sit down and relax. There are also more totem poles as well as quirky woodcarving art pieces to be found throughout the park. Small cafes, restaurants and boutiques line the square and invite you to stroll and shop. The park also hosts various events, public activities and festivals frequently.
Waterfall Garden Park
I didn’t get to see this park. To be honest, I was looking for it but couldn’t find it! That’s how perfectly hidden and “secret” this park is. I’ll try again next time I’m in Seattle. However, the park is just a stone throw away from Occidental Square Park. It’s named after its 22-foot artificial waterfall. There’s also seating available and it looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet lunch or snack and/or read a book. Looking at the picture below, I should have tried harder to find this serene park.
Kobe Terrace
This Japanese-inspired 1-acre park is located in Seattle’s International District. It’s named after Seattle’s Japanese sister city Kobe. I stumbled upon this lovely spot by accident when I was wandering through Chinatown. I had to climb a few stairs to get to the small terrace which invites you to sit on one of its benches and enjoy the view over the city. It’s very quiet up there. I didn’t see any other people apart from one or two gardeners that were working in the community garden that is incorporated at one side of the little park.
Freeway Park
Freeway Park is one of my favorite parks in Seattle. I’ve never seen a park like that. It is a mix of green space with a few tables and – the most interesting part – brutalist architecture with fountains, walkways, stairs etc. When I first came here, my first thought was that this must be a parkour performer’s dream. I didn’t see anyone practicing on that day, but on my second visit I saw two guys performing. However, you don’t have to be into parkour to enjoy this park. It’s a stunning and unusual piece of architecture and makes for a few interesting photos.
Cal Anderson Park
Cal Anderson Park is located in the Capitol Hill and serves as the local community’s hub and gathering point. When you walk along Broadway between East Denny Way and East Pine Street, you pass by this large green area with people playing soccer, lounging around, bathing in the sun or having a picnic (if the weather is nice, of course). The park has a lot to offer. Besides the play area and an athletic field for organized sports it also features walkways, oversized chess boards, a reflecting pool and more. Long story short, there is something for everyone.
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is another top favorite of mine. It is located on the north shore of Lake Union. The park is named after the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant and features relicts of that very plant both out in the open as well as remodeled into sort of a play barn for children. Gas Works Park is a mostly open, partially hilly area with a gorgeous view of the lake and Seattle city. It also features a separate picnic area and a sundial. When it’s windy enough, people also come here to fly their kite.
Olympic Sculpture Park
If you’re into art, you’ll love the Olympic Sculpture Park. This park was created and is operated by the Seattle Art Museum. It features various outdoor sculptures – both permanent and temporary. And the great thing is that admission is free all year round.
These are only a few of the parks Seattle has to offer. There are many, many more and here is a great resource to discover them all and check out what each has to offer. I can’t wait for my next trip to Seattle to discover more unique parks and re-visit old favorites. Lake Union Park and Volunteer Park are on my list of parks to explore next time.
(pictures of Pioneer Square Park, Kobe Terrace, Cal Anderson Park and Olympic Sculpture Park were taken from here; picture of Waterfall Garden was taken from here; all other pictures are mine)
What are your favorite parks in Seattle or your city/town you call home?
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