Cal Anderson Park

A Capitol Hill Oasis

Situated in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, Cal Anderson Park covers 7.37 acres of urban greenery that locals frequently enjoy. The space encompasses both the Lincoln Reservoir and Bobby Morris Playfield. While it started life as Lincoln Park back in 1904, it later received its current name to honor Cal Anderson, who made history as Washington's first openly gay state legislator.

Transformation Through Time

The early 2000s brought major changes when the reservoir was covered, adding four precious acres of park space to enjoy. Water remains a central theme here - a thoughtful nod to the park's history - with a serene reflecting pool and fountain that create a peaceful atmosphere even on busy days.

We love how the designers preserved pieces of the past, including the reservoir's charming Gatehouse, sections of the original parapet wall, and that beautiful central arc of hedge maples that provides welcome shade in summer months.

Jimi Hendrix statue plays guitar outside Cal Anderson Park

Photo: Andrew E. Larsen (CC0 1.0)

What You'll Find

For a relatively compact urban park, Cal Anderson packs in an impressive array of options. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball field, and soccer fields with quality turf that holds up well to Seattle's famous rain.

Families with kids gravitate toward the nicely updated playground complete with swing sets, climbing bars, and an old-school seesaw that brings back memories. When temperatures rise, the splash pad becomes a neighborhood favorite for cooling down.

The park's skate park draws enthusiasts of all skill levels, while those seeking quieter pursuits can use the permanent chess boards or simply wander the walking paths. Grassy areas great for picnics or people-watching abound, along with plenty of seating options. Practical amenities include drinking fountains and centrally located restrooms (though keep in mind they sometimes close for maintenance).

The stairs ahead lead up to Lincoln Reservoir

Photo: Liz Mulholland (CC BY 2.0)

Community Living Room

Cal Anderson serves many community functions, almost like Capitol Hill's outdoor living room. On Sundays, the popular farmers market sets up right next door, bringing fresh produce and local crafts. Evenings transform the fields into community playgrounds with pickup soccer matches, volleyball games, and even organized dodgeball on Friday and Sunday nights.

Dog lovers have unofficially claimed this as their gathering spot. While technically not designated as off-leash, you'll find plenty of four-legged friends socializing alongside their humans, especially in the open grassy sections.

Beyond a Park

This green space holds significant cultural importance for Seattle. In 2020, it became the heart of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) or Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP) during a period of intense social activism.

Located in Capitol Hill with its significant LGBTQ population, the park often hosts community celebrations and events that reflect the neighborhood's diverse character.

Getting There

Reaching Cal Anderson is a breeze thanks to the Capitol Hill light rail station entrance at the park's northwest corner. If you're driving, prepare for a parking challenge - the park's popularity means nearby street parking fills quickly. The gates are open daily from 4AM to 11:30PM, maintained by the dedicated team at Seattle Parks and Recreation.