Westlake Park

The Heart of Downtown

Tucked in the bustling core of Downtown Seattle sits Westlake Park - a modest 0.1-acre plaza with significant urban importance. Designed by Robert Mitchell Hanna and opened in October 1988, this compact space has become the city's unofficial living room.

The park stretches east from 4th Avenue, occupying what was once part of Westlake Avenue between Pike and Pine streets. Just across Pine Street, you can find the Westlake Center mall and Westlake station, a key transit hub where the monorail and light rail converge.

Seattle's Community Canvas

If Seattle needed a town square, Westlake Park has naturally filled that role. This is where people gather, protest, celebrate, and connect. The park's fountain acts as both a visual centerpiece and a practical playground - on warm summer days, you'll likely spot kids splashing around in its cooling waters.

Throughout the year, the park transforms with the seasons. During the holiday season, the space glows with Christmas lights and festive decorations, creating a postcard-worthy downtown scene that draws photographers and revelers alike.

Small Space, Big Offerings

Despite its compact footprint, Westlake Park offers several recreational options. Challenge a friend (or stranger) to a match on the giant chess board, test your aim at cornhole, or show off your ping pong skills. Families appreciate the children's play area with climbing structures that give the little ones a place to burn energy while parents take a downtown break.

Hungry? The regular rotation of food trucks means you're never far from diverse dining options. The park's scattered tables and chairs make it a natural lunch spot for office workers and a relaxation zone for tourists taking a shopping breather.

The space is managed by the Downtown Seattle Association in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, maintaining regular programming and upkeep. Security staff maintain a regular presence, helping ensure the park remains welcoming for everyone.

Entertainment Central

Westlake Park hosts regular concerts, food truck festivals, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. A modest stage accommodates performances that often provide the soundtrack to summer afternoons and early evenings.

From holiday celebrations to community gatherings, the plaza adapts to different events and activities. The annual tree lighting ceremony during the Christmas season draws particularly enthusiastic crowds, becoming something of a Seattle tradition.

Looking Ahead

Change is coming to this cherished downtown space. Renovation plans are in motion to create a more open gathering area, update the artistic elements and play features, and add amenities designed to extend visitors' stays in the heart of the city.

These improvements are scheduled to be complete before the 2026 World Cup.