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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Wallingford Playfield

A versatile neighborhood hub in Seattle, Wallingford Playfield offers renovated playgrounds, tennis courts, and open greenspace for picnics and community gathering.

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Wallingford Playfield
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What is Wallingford Playfield known for?

It is a popular neighborhood gathering place used for tennis, picnics, ball games, general play, and wading-pool use during the summer.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. The play area was renovated in 2019 and features equipment for children ages 2-5 and 5-12, including opportunities to slide, swing, and spin. The equipment meets current safety standards and ADA accessibility requirements.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, it is considered unstructured greenspace that is free and open to the public without reservations.

How do I reserve a tennis court?

Outdoor tennis court reservations are managed by the Amy Yee Tennis Center and can be made online via ActiveNet, which requires a free account.

Where is Wallingford Playfield located?

It is located at 4219 Wallingford Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 4219 Wallingford Ave N, Wallingford Playfield serves as a central gathering spot for the local community. This public space is widely used for tennis, ball games, and summer wading-pool activities, providing a flexible environment for both structured sports and casual picnics. Families will find a modern play area that underwent renovation in 2019. These facilities are specifically designed to accommodate children in two age brackets: 2-5 years old and 5-12 years old. The equipment is built to meet current safety standards and ensures ADA accessibility for all children. For sports enthusiasts, the park features outdoor tennis courts. Reservations for these courts are managed by the Amy Yee Tennis Center and can be handled via self-service online through ActiveNet. Beyond tennis, the park is often utilized as a venue for public events, such as those listed by GreenStage. The park has recently been at the center of local debate regarding its future. Seattle Public Schools previously proposed converting the grass field into a lighted synthetic turf football field for Lincoln High School, a plan that was later scaled back to a half-sized, unlit practice field. As of 2025, Seattle Parks and Recreation and the school district have paused these planning efforts, maintaining the area as unstructured greenspace for the public.

Visitor tips

  • If you plan to play tennis, create a free ActiveNet account to make a reservation via the Amy Yee Tennis Center.
  • Visit during the summer months to see the wading pool in use.
  • The playground is best suited for children under 12, with specific zones for toddlers and older kids.

Nearby context

Wallingford Playfield is a cornerstone of the Wallingford neighborhood, providing a rare stretch of open, unstructured greenspace in a residential area. It serves as a vital athletic and social link for nearby residents and students from Lincoln High School.

Sources

Evidence and links