Laurelhurst Playfield

Location and Overview

Perched atop a hill in Seattle's Laurelhurst neighborhood, this playfield offers a peaceful escape with some pretty impressive views of the surrounding area. Spanning several acres, it's a space where locals come to play, relax, and connect. There's something especially calming about finding this green space tucked away on a hilltop - a little oasis from the bustle of city life.

Recreational Facilities

Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home here. The tennis courts come with lighting for those evening matches when you just can't call it quits at sunset. There's a baseball field that hosts both casual weekend games and organized league play. Soccer players can enjoy the natural grass field, however they should be prepared for some uneven terrain in spots - nothing major, just adds a bit of challenge to your footwork. Recently, pickleball has become the talk of the park, with dedicated players often claiming courts on weekend mornings.

Playground and Family Areas

If you've got kids in tow, the recently remodeled playground is definitely worth checking out. It's outfitted with modern equipment that seems to delight children of all ages, but it's particularly great for toddlers and elementary schoolers. Parents and caregivers can take a load off on the benches surrounding the play area - great for that much-needed coffee break while the little ones burn off energy. The clean tables nearby make impromptu snack times a breeze.

Community Center

The Laurelhurst Community Center is a central feature of the park. It's where you'll come across everything from adorable toddler dance classes to pottery workshops for adults. The indoor play areas are a godsend during Seattle's rainy season. You might notice the center's addition has some interesting architectural elements - it's quite distinctive compared to standard park buildings. Need a space for a birthday celebration? The center offers party rentals that many local families take advantage of during the year.

Landscape Features

Throughout the park, you'll discover open grassy areas well-suited for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a lazy afternoon picnic. The designated picnic areas include spots where you can have small fires in the fire pits - s'mores, anyone? Mature trees dot the landscape, providing welcome shade during summer months and adding to the park's tranquil atmosphere. A winding walking trail offers a pleasant route for your morning constitutional or post-dinner stroll.

Amenities

The park features clean, well-maintained restrooms that are surprisingly spacious for park facilities. These gender-neutral, single-occupancy bathrooms are conveniently located near the playground - particularly convenient for families with young children. Drinking water is available around the grounds, so you can stay hydrated during your visit without lugging around extra water bottles.

Dog-Friendly Areas

Four-legged friends are welcome within the park, however they'll need to stay leashed. The paths winding through the grounds make for pleasant dog walks, and you'll often see locals out with their pups, especially during morning and evening hours.

Hours and Maintenance

The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department keeps Laurelhurst Playfield in good shape year-round. You can visit daily between 6AM and 10PM, making it accessible for early birds and night owls alike.