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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Kinnear Park

A historic 14.1-acre landmark park on the southwest slope of Queen Anne Hill, featuring two tiers of lush greenery, strolling paths, and a dedicated dog park.

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Kinnear Park
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What is Kinnear Park known for?

Kinnear Park is one of Seattle's oldest public parks and a designated Seattle landmark. It is a 14.1-acre, two-tiered park on the southwest slope of Queen Anne Hill, known for being grassier and woodsier than nearby hilltop parks, with strolling paths and viewpoints.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the lower section of the park (often called Lower Kerry Park) includes children's play equipment and a large lawn area.

Is there a dog park at Kinnear Park?

Yes, there is a 5,400-square-foot off-leash dog park located in the west section of the park.

What are the hours?

The park is open year-round.

Where can I park?

On weekends and after business hours, visitors can use a dedicated parking lot located behind Queen Anne Upholstery at the end of W. Mercer Street (entered from 904 Elliott Ave. W.).

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Kinnear Park is one of Seattle's oldest public parks, established in 1887 when land developer George Kinnear and his wife, Angie Simmons Kinnear, donated 11 acres to the city. The land was given on the strict condition that it be maintained as a public park, a promise the city has kept for over a century. This 14.1-acre space remains largely intact from its 1892 design, preserving the original strolling paths and scenic viewpoints that allow visitors to explore the hillside slope. The park's layout is roughly pie-shaped and divided into two tiers. The upper section, designed by landscape architect E. O. Schwagerl between 1892 and 1894, features curvilinear paths that wind around irregularly shaped lawns and naturalistic groupings of trees. This design creates a more wooded and grassier character than the other hilltop parks in the area, providing a quiet retreat from the urban environment. In the lower section, often referred to as Lower Kerry Park, visitors will find a large lawn area, children's play equipment, and a neighborhood gathering space. The west section of the park also includes a 5,400-square-foot off-leash dog park, providing a dedicated space for local pets. The park was officially designated as a Seattle landmark in 2001, recognizing its historical and landscape architecture significance.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the upper tier to experience the original 1892 curvilinear paths designed by E. O. Schwagerl.
  • If visiting on weekends or after business hours, use the dedicated parking lot behind Queen Anne Upholstery at 904 Elliott Ave. W.
  • Bring your dog to the 5,400-square-foot off-leash area in the west section.

Nearby context

Kinnear Park is situated on the southwest slope of Queen Anne Hill, bounded by W. Olympic Place, W. Mercer Place, and Elliott Avenue W., placing it in a scenic transition between the lower and upper parts of the hill.

Sources

Evidence and links