About the Park

Lake Union Park, located on the south end of Seattle’s central lake, is a new 12-acre park that provides much needed green space and access to the water in a growing neighborhood and city, and celebrates the region’s rich maritime, natural, and cultural heritage.  What started as a vision in 1903 when the Olmsted brothers recommended a major park for the south end of Lake Union, came to fruition after 20 years of land acquisition by the City, over $20 million in private money raised by Seattle Parks Foundation, and years of community input and support. 

The first phase of Lake Union Park opened on April 30, 2008 and includes terraced steps and a boardwalk along the water’s edge, the great lawn, a pedestrian bridge over the water, pathways, and boat-shaped planters.  The Historic Ships Wharf, located by the old Naval Reserve Center, is home to many heritage vessels including the steamer Virginia V, the tugboat Arthur Foss, the fireboat Duwamish, the lightship Swiftsure, and many rotating visiting ships.  In addition, The Center for Wooden Boats, which borders Lake Union Park, offers a living museum of wooden boats.

Lake Union Park will be completed in 2010, and include a model boat pond, restored shoreline habitat, a tree grove and picnic area, landscaped mounds, a 300-foot long interactive fountain, and even more green space.  In the near future, additional features will bring even more activities to the park, including the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation Northwest Native Canoe Center, The Center for Wooden Boats’ education center, and the Museum of History and Industry.

Lake Union Park will be a new hub for culture and recreation in Seattle.  Come down and see for yourself!

Learn more about Lake Union Park at www.seattleparksfoundation.org

Plans for the Park - Overview Map

Image credit: Seattle Parks Foundation. Courtesy of City Investors