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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Freeway Park

The world's first park built atop a freeway, this urban oasis connects downtown Seattle to First Hill through a series of concrete plazas and lush gardens.

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Freeway Park
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What is Freeway Park known for?

Freeway Park is recognized as the first park in the world built atop a freeway, specifically sitting on the I-5 lid to reconnect neighborhoods divided by the highway.

What are the hours for Freeway Park?

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where is it located?

It is located at 700 Seneca St, Seattle 98101, situated between 6th and 9th Avenues and bounded by Union Street to the north and Spring Street to the south.

What can I see or do there?

Visitors can explore gardens, sculptures, and fountains. The park also hosts public events and recurring 'Book Carts & Buskers' programming in Seneca Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays (12–2 p.m. through October).

Is the park accessible?

Yes, Freeway Park is ADA accessible.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Officially known as Jim Ellis Freeway Park, this urban space connects downtown Seattle to the Seattle Convention Center and First Hill. It was championed by Jim Ellis and constructed in 1976 using Forward Thrust funds. As the first park in the world built atop a freeway, it utilizes the air rights of Interstate 5 to bridge the gap between neighborhoods that the highway had previously divided. The park's design is defined by a series of irregular, linked plazas—specifically the Central, East, and West plazas—that are intertwined and enclosed by board-formed concrete planting containers and walls. These areas share a consistent materials palette of concrete and broadleaf evergreen plantings, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the space. Beyond its architectural significance, the park serves as a vital community hub. It features gardens, sculptures, and fountains, and hosts public events organized by the Freeway Park Association. The association produces year-round programs focused on art, education, and community building, including recurring 'Book Carts & Buskers' programming in Seneca Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays through October. Recognized for its historical and architectural importance, the park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 and was designated as a Seattle Landmark on July 6, 2022. It remains a place of respite for nearby residents and visitors alike, functioning as a bustling backyard for the surrounding urban environment.

Visitor tips

  • The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The park is ADA accessible, making it easy to navigate for all visitors.
  • Check for 'Book Carts & Buskers' in Seneca Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12–2 p.m. through October.
  • Allow about 45 minutes to explore the different plazas and the concrete gardens.

Nearby context

Located between 6th and 9th Avenues, and bounded by Union Street to the north and Spring Street to the south, Freeway Park sits as a bridge between the high-energy downtown core and the residential and medical centers of First Hill.

Sources

Evidence and links