Bell Street Park

Bell Street Park is a unique urban park located in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. Created in 2014, this 1.33-acre linear park spans four blocks along Bell Street, from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue. The park represents an innovative approach to urban design, transforming a traditional street into a hybrid space that serves both as a park and a functional roadway.

The park's design eliminates the distinction between sidewalk and street, creating a curbless surface that allows for flexible use of the space. This shared-space concept, known as a woonerf, prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists while still allowing limited vehicle access. The park features a meandering pathway, enhanced by landscaping, seating areas, and public art installations.

Bell Street Park serves as a green corridor through one of Seattle's densest neighborhoods, providing much-needed open space for residents and visitors. The park's design incorporates sustainable elements, including rain gardens and native plants, which help manage stormwater runoff. Lighting features and street furniture are carefully integrated to create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day and evening.

The park has become a focal point for community gatherings and events, offering a venue for outdoor activities in an area previously lacking in public open spaces. It exemplifies how urban infrastructure can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes, enhancing the livability of dense urban environments.