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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Waterfall Garden Park

A serene, modern Japanese-style pocket park in Pioneer Square, featuring a dramatic 22-foot granite waterfall and commemorating the 1907 birthplace of the United Parcel Service (UPS).

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Waterfall Garden Park
pioneersquare.org, og_image_pioneersquare.org

What is Waterfall Garden Park known for?

It is a secluded pocket park in Seattle's Pioneer Square that serves as a modern interpretation of a Japanese garden. Its central feature is a dramatic 22-foot-high waterfall constructed from natural granite boulders.

What are the hours?

The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Where is it located?

Waterfall Garden Park is located at 219 2nd Ave S in Seattle's Pioneer Square area, situated at the corner of Main and Second Street.

What is the history of the park?

Completed in August 1978 and designed by landscape architect Masao Kinoshita, the park was created to commemorate the birthplace of the United Parcel Service (UPS). The site was the original location of the first UPS headquarters in Seattle in 1907.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, photography and filming are permitted during park hours.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Waterfall Garden Park is a secluded urban oasis located at 219 2nd Ave S in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square area. Designed by landscape architect Masao Kinoshita, the space serves as a modern interpretation of a Japanese garden, providing a tranquil escape from the surrounding city streetscape. The park was completed in August 1978 and is managed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The park's most striking feature is a 22-foot-high waterfall constructed from natural granite boulders. This central water element is complemented by a layout consisting of two primary elevations. The upper level offers intimate seating areas, granite benches, and movable chairs and tables, alongside a series of water displays including canals, cascades, and pools. Architecturally, the garden is visually open on two sides through a simple iron fence. This fence serves a dual purpose, acting as the support for a canopy that shelters the upper-level perimeter of the greenery. This design distinguishes it from similar predecessors in New York City that are typically open on only one side. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the site holds significant corporate history. It stands on the original location of the first UPS headquarters in Seattle, established in 1907. The park was specifically created to commemorate the birthplace of the United Parcel Service, linking the quietude of the garden to the origins of a global logistics giant.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between 8:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. to access the grounds.
  • Feel free to take photos or film, as this is permitted during park hours.
  • Look for the movable chairs and tables on the upper level for a quiet place to rest.

Nearby context

Tucked into the Pioneer Square neighborhood at the corner of Main and Second Street, this vest-pocket park provides a sharp contrast to the cobblestones and brick facades of Seattle's oldest district.

Sources

Evidence and links