Fritz Hedges Waterway Park

Where Water Meets Wonder

Fritz Hedges Waterway Park honors Frederick "Fritz" Hedges, a dedicated Seattle Parks and Recreation professional who spent his career championing the essential role of parks in community well-being. Opened in October 2020, this 3.5-acre space on the north shore of Portage Bay in the University District transforms what was once an industrial site into a public green space with direct water access.

The park creates a special connection between the University of Washington campus and the waterfront. You might also hear locals refer to this special place by its indigenous name, wəq̓iq̓əb (Place of Frogs).

Nature's Comeback Story

One of the notable aspects of Fritz Hedges is its naturalized shoreline, designed to support native species, including juvenile salmon. The park's creation involved significant shoreline restoration to enhance the aquatic habitat.

This makes it the only public space along the entire 5-mile waterway with a fully naturalized shoreline. The meadow area showcases a lovely mix of native and climate-adapted grasses alongside wildflowers that once naturally grew in the area. If you're lucky, you'll spot local wildlife during your visit, especially in spring and summer when Canadian geese and their adorable goslings make regular appearances.

Play, Paddle, Repeat

Despite its compact footprint, Fritz Hedges packs in plenty of experiences. You'll find spaces great for gathering with friends, areas for casual recreation, light watercraft access, and quiet corners for some peaceful reflection.

The park has become something of a hotspot for launching kayaks and stand-up paddleboards into Portage Bay. Don't have your own gear? No problem - there's a paddle boarding company nearby that offers various watercraft rentals. The calm waters here make it a great spot for everyone from first-timers to experienced paddlers.

Sunset Seats and Serene Scenes

You can't miss the distinctive yellow Adirondack-style chairs bolted across the park. These comfortable seats offer some of the best water views around and have quickly become favorite spots for watching the sun set over the bay.

Despite being close to the bustling University District, there's a surprising tranquility here, and it rarely feels overcrowded. The open grassy areas are fantastic for spreading out a blanket for a picnic or simply sitting by the water's edge. The park is particularly nice at sunset when light reflects on the water's surface.

Honoring What Came Before

In a thoughtful nod to the site's industrial past, timbers from the old mill building that once stood here have been repurposed into unique features within the park. This blend of historical elements helps tell the story of the area's past while creating a thoroughly modern space for recreation.

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Getting Around and Beyond

The park's smart design connects seamlessly to the University of Washington's evolving Innovation District and offers access through multiple transportation options, including the Burke-Gilman multi-use trail and the pedestrian-friendly Brooklyn Green Street.

While Fritz Hedges itself isn't huge, its location puts you within easy reach of nearby amenities. There are restaurants, cafés, and even ice cream shops just a short walk away, making it easy to combine your park visit with other activities in the University District.