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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Gas Works Park

A groundbreaking post-industrial landscape on Lake Union, Gas Works Park blends preserved coal gasification plant remnants with sweeping city views and a famous kite-flying hill.

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Gas Works Park
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What is Gas Works Park known for?

Gas Works Park is a groundbreaking post-industrial landscape reclamation project built on the site of a former coal gasification plant. It is known for its preserved industrial-era structures, sweeping views of Seattle, and features like the Play Barn and Kite Hill.

What are the hours?

The park is listed as being open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the park features a Play Barn, which was a reconditioned exhauster-compressor building converted into a play structure for children.

Can I swim or launch a boat here?

No, entering the water, swimming, fishing, wading, and launching boats from the park are all prohibited because the lake sediment contains hazardous substances.

What is the history of the site?

The site was a Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant that operated from 1906/1907 until 1956. The city acquired the land in the 1960s, and the park officially opened to the public in 1975.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Gas Works Park is a pioneering reclaimed-industrial landscape located on the north shore of Lake Union in Seattle. The site was once home to a Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant that operated from 1906 to 1956, providing fuel for the growing city. After the plant closed in 1956 due to the arrival of natural gas from the Trans Mountain Gas Pipeline, the city of Seattle acquired the site for parkland in 1962. Designed by landscape architect Richard Haag, the park opened to the public in 1975. Haag intentionally retained and reworked industrial remnants to create a unique urban space. He converted the former boiler house into a picnic shelter and transformed the exhauster-compressor building into a large play barn for children. The park's signature feature, the Great Earth Mound, was constructed from on-site excavated material and is now a popular spot for strolling and community gatherings. Visitors can explore the Waterfront Promenade and the Play Barn, or ascend Kite Hill to enjoy sweeping views of the Seattle skyline. Despite its industrial past, the park is widely regarded as a groundbreaking project that shifted public perceptions of post-industrial landscapes. It was officially added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on January 2, 2013. Because the lake sediment contains hazardous substances, access to Lake Union is strictly restricted. Entering the water, swimming, fishing, and launching boats from the park are prohibited to ensure visitor safety.

Visitor tips

  • Visit on a sunny summer day to enjoy the rolling hills for sunbathing and watching lake traffic.
  • The park is typically open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
  • Avoid entering the water or launching boats, as lake sediment contains hazardous substances.
  • If you are cycling, the Burke-Gilman Trail runs directly past the park's parking lot.

Nearby context

Located on the north shore of Lake Union, the park serves as a major greenspace opposite downtown Seattle, providing a dramatic visual link between the city's industrial history and its modern skyline.

Sources

Evidence and links