City Hall Park

A Touch of Seattle History

Situated in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood, City Hall Park is a compact 1.3-acre green oasis that offers a welcome breath of fresh air amidst the urban landscape. Sitting right next to the King County Courthouse, it's one of downtown Seattle's most generous open spaces.

Established back in 1911, this little park has seen its fair share of changes over the years. Major facelifts came in 1917 and 1963, with additional tweaks happening between 1967 and 1993. There's some fascinating history here - the land once hosted a Coast Salish settlement and even saw action during the Battle of Seattle in 1856.

Why "City Hall"?

The name might seem obvious, but there's a story behind it. When the park was first created in 1911, the current King County Courthouse was pulling double duty as the County-City Building, housing both Seattle and King County offices.

Before that, the park site was home to Seattle's second city hall - affectionately nicknamed the "Katzenjammer Castle" because of its somewhat cobbled-together appearance. Quite the visual, right?

Fresh Start

If you've visited recently, you might have noticed some changes. After being closed for a while, City Hall Park reopened to the public on June 13, 2023, sporting a freshly restored lawn and now featuring a permanent park ranger.

Don't be surprised if you spot ongoing improvements - a complete renovation project is underway until 2024, with a price tag of about $2.3 million.

What You'll Find

This little green space is a vital connector between downtown and Pioneer Square. It's well-suited for a quick stroll or a moment of quiet reflection on one of the many benches scattered throughout. Mature shade trees create cool spots to escape the summer heat, while open grassy areas invite impromptu picnics or a quick lunch break.

Look out for the small outdoor performance area where local musicians sometimes set up shop, adding a soundtrack to your visit.

The Vibe

Despite being compact, there's something genuinely peaceful about this park. It's a little pocket of calm that feels removed from the surrounding city buzz. The views of historic Pioneer Square buildings create a pleasant backdrop as you unwind.

Bringing your four-legged friend? No problem - the park is dog-friendly, making it a convenient spot for downtown dog owners. And if you find yourself here as evening falls, you'll appreciate the thoughtful lighting that gives the space a gentle glow after sunset.