What is Cal Anderson Park known for?

Cal Anderson Park is considered the hub and heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, which is the city's historic LGBTQIA neighborhood. It is a bustling year-round center for sports, recreation, community events, and political action.

Yes, the park includes a children's play area and a wading pool.

Who is the park named after?

The park was officially named in April 2003 in honor of Washington State's first openly gay state legislator, Cal Anderson.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Cal Anderson Park in Seattle

Q: Where is the park located?

It is located at 1635 11th Ave in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, situated between the Broadway and Pike/Pine business districts and just southeast of the Capitol Hill Link Light Rail Station.

Cal Anderson Park

A 7.37-acre civic treasure and the heart of Capitol Hill, this landmark park blends modern recreation with a deep history of public service and LGBTQIA community identity.

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What amenities and activities are available at the park?

The park features a children's play area, a lighted sports field, basketball courts, an all-purpose playfield for soccer or softball, and oversized chess boards. Visitors can also enjoy a fountain, reflecting and texture pools, a wading pool, and promenade paths for walking, reading, and contemplation.

What to know

Cal Anderson Park serves as the bustling hub of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, situated at 1635 11th Ave. Spanning 7.37 acres, the site is described as a civic treasure and the heart of Seattle's historic LGBTQIA neighborhood. It is strategically located between the Broadway and Pike/Pine business districts and adjacent to the Capitol Hill Link Light Rail Station. The park's origins date back to the late 1880s, when the city expanded its water infrastructure following the Great Seattle Fire. Originally cleared to house the Lincoln Reservoir and known as Lincoln Park until the 1920s, the land has been in public service since 1897, when it hosted the city's first hydraulic water pump. The site was designated as a Seattle landmark in 1998. In April 2003, the park was officially renamed in honor of Cal Anderson, who was Washington State's first openly gay state legislator. This transformation in the mid-2000s solidified its role as a space for both recreation and political action. Notably, on June 8, 2020, the park became a focal point for racial justice protests as part of the CHAZ/CHOP demonstrations. Today, visitors can enjoy a wide array of amenities, including a fountain, reflecting pool, texture pool, and oversized chess boards. The grounds feature a lighted sports field, basketball courts, and an all-purpose playfield for soccer or softball. For those looking for a stroll, the sidewalks and Bobby Morris Playfield form a walking circuit of approximately two-thirds of a mile.

Visitor tips

Walk the 2/3-mile circuit including the Bobby Morris Playfield for a full loop of the park.
Visit the oversized chess boards for a unique, interactive break during your tour.
Use the nearby Capitol Hill Link Light Rail Station for easy access to the park's southeast entrance.

Nearby context

Located in the center of Capitol Hill, the park acts as a green bridge between the bustling Broadway and Pike/Pine business districts, making it a natural resting point for those exploring the neighborhood's eclectic shops and cafes.