Jack Block Park

History and Transformation

Jack Block Park is a 15-acre public park located in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Situated on the northwest corner of the Port of Seattle's Terminal 5, the park offers visitors a unique blend of industrial and natural landscapes.

The park's history is rooted in its former use as a wood treatment plant and shipbuilding facility. After being designated a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1994 due to creosote contamination, the area underwent extensive environmental cleanup efforts.

The park officially opened in 1998 as part of the Port of Seattle's redevelopment of Terminal 5 and was renamed in 2001 to honor former Port Commissioner Jack Block.

Notable Features

One of the park's most notable features is its 45-foot observation tower, which provides panoramic views of Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the surrounding port operations. Visitors can observe the bustling activity of Terminal 5 and Vigor Shipyards, offering a glimpse into Seattle's maritime industry.

The park features a shoreline walking path that winds through the property, passing by various points of interest. Along this path, visitors will find a children's play area and a walkable pier.

The beach area, which opened to the public in 2011 following environmental remediation, provides access to a 600-foot stretch of sand and pebbles along the water's edge.

Educational Value

Jack Block Park serves as an educational resource, with interpretive plaques located at the observation tower. These plaques provide information about Port of Seattle activities and offer an overview of maritime shipping technology, enhancing visitors' understanding of the area's industrial significance.

The park's unique location offers a juxtaposition of natural beauty and industrial functionality, making it a distinctive destination for both locals and tourists interested in Seattle's maritime heritage and contemporary port operations.