Seatlle Parks
FREE PARKING
As the clouds part and the summer sun shines through, Seattle’s beautiful parks provide peaceful retreats and a bit of fresh air.
Whether your preferences lean toward recreational activities, immersing yourself in art or simply basking in idyllic scenery, these urban oases offer a host of treasures waiting to be discovered
BY CHELAN DAVID
PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL HAGSTOTZ
DISCOVERY PARK
Located in the Magnolia neighborhood about five miles northwest of downtown, 534- acre Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest. Situated on Magnolia Bluff, overlooking Puget Sound, the park offers breathtaking views of both the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. The site includes two miles of protected tidal beaches as well as open meadowlands, forest groves, sand dunes and streams. Bird lovers flock to Discovery Park’s West Point, where more than 150 kinds of birds can be viewed. 3801 W Government Way
GAS WORKS PARK
Situated on the north shore of Lake Union, this park is built on the site of a former gas plant. A portion of the original industrial equipment has been incorporated into the park’s landscaping, including a barn that now serves as a play area for children. Those enjoying a picnic can view houseboats lining the eastern shore of the lake with Seattle’s skyline serving as a picturesque backdrop.
KERRY PARK
Nestled on Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park’s striking vista has been immortalized in movies and on countless postcards. Photography enthusiasts flock to the park, particularly at sunset, for magnificent views of the Space Needle and Mount Rainier.
The park was donated to the city in 1927 by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sperry Kerry upon the condition that the site would never be developed. A plaque at the viewpoint informs visitors that the park was bequeathed, “so that all who stop here may enjoy this view.” 211 W Highland Dr
VOLUNTEER PARK
Located in Capitol Hill, one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, Volunteer Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the same architects responsible for New York City’s Central Park. Completed in 1912, the park features a glass conservatory and a 75-foot brick water tower that visitors can ascend via a spiral staircase to capture panoramic views of the city.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum serves as the centerpiece of Volunteer Park; it’s free to the public on the first Saturday of each month. Near the art museum lies Isamu Noguchi’s Black Sun sculpture, which is said to have served as inspiration for Soundgarden’s 1994 hit “Black Hole Sun.”
Just north of the park is Lakeview Cemetery, where the bodies of martial artist Bruce Lee and his son, actor Brandon Lee, were laid to rest. 1247 15th Ave E
GREEN LAKE PARK
For sports enthusiasts, Green Lake is the Holy Grail of city parks. While it is best known for the 2.8-mile path around the lake, which accommodates walkers, joggers, bikers and inline skaters, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well. Kayaks and paddleboats can be rented by the hour, and there are outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts and even a small golf course.
Cap your day off by taking in a show at the Bathhouse Theater. As the name implies, the 165-seat theater is housed in a former brick bathhouse where productions are staged year-round. 7201 E Green Lake Dr N
MYRTLE EDWARDS PARK
Myrtle Edwards Park is a haven for exercise aficionados and art lovers alike. Lying on the waterfront, this long, narrow park features a 1.25 mile bike and jogging path with an expansive view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
The Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park recently opened adjacent to the park. Boasting more than 20 sculptures by renowned artists, the nine-acre park is free to the public. Highlights of the $85 million Olympic Sculpture Park include Alexander Calder’s Eagle and Richard Serra’s Wake. 3130 Alaskan Way W
WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM
This dazzling urban green space rests on the shores of Lake Washington. Trees, shrubs and vines from all over the world thrive at the 230- acre arboretum. Trails lead visitors past Japanese maples, rhododendrons, Oregon crabapples, Pacific dogwoods and thousands of other varieties of plants. At the north end of the arboretum is the largest remaining wetland in Seattle, while the south end is home to the 3.5-acre Japanese Tea Garden with stone bridges, manicured ornamental trees and an authentic teahouse. 2300 Arboretum Dr www.seattle.gov/parks