Wallingford Steps

Wallingford Steps is a unique public space in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood. The site features a wide concrete staircase that connects N 34th Street with N Northlake Way, providing pedestrian access between the upper Wallingford area and the Burke-Gilman Trail and Gas Works Park below.

The steps offer visitors scenic views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline to the south. Benches are placed along the stairway, allowing people to rest and take in the surroundings. Landscaping and plantings on either side of the steps create a pleasant, green environment.

At the lowest of three landings on the stairway, visitors will find a circular mosaic called "Pond". Created by artists Benson Shaw and Clark Weigman, this public artwork features a fanciful marine motif and other shapes based on artwork by local schoolchildren. The colorful glass and etched-metal mosaic adds visual interest and a touch of whimsy to the utilitarian staircase.

The Wallingford Steps serve an important function by improving pedestrian connectivity in the neighborhood. They provide a convenient shortcut for walkers and runners traveling between the residential areas of Wallingford and the popular recreational spaces along the lake shore. The steps are open 24 hours a day, allowing access at all times.