Occidental Square

A Slice of Seattle's Past & Present

Situated in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square district, Occidental Square offers a charming 0.6-acre retreat from the city bustle. Created in 1971 as part of neighborhood revitalization efforts, this cozy park transformed the former Occidental Avenue South right-of-way between Washington and Jackson Streets, plus half a city block between Main and Jackson.

The park has a rich history. In 1974, Occidental Square hosted Seattle's first LGBTQ+ picnic commemorating the Stonewall Riots' five-year anniversary. Over the years, it's been where Pride parades kick off and where voices of change have gathered, including those who stood against Initiative 13 in 1978.

The square sits surrounded by stunning Romanesque Revival architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it feel like you've stepped into a different era of Seattle history.

What You'll Find Here

Walk through Occidental Square and you'll immediately notice the distinctive brick and concrete pavers underfoot and the towering London Plane trees overhead. These mature trees create dappled shade around the park, standing in graveled wells that give the space its unique urban-meets-nature vibe.

For recreation, the park offers bocce ball courts, a ping pong table, a basketball hoop, and oversized games like giant chess, Connect Four, cornhole, and Jenga that are free for anyone to use. There are plenty of tables and chairs available from morning until evening - ideal for enjoying lunch, catching up on emails, or simply watching the world go by.

As evening falls, lights illuminate the tree-lined pathways, creating a serene atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Art That Tells Stories

Look around and you'll spot four impressive cedar sculptures including two totem poles created by artist Duane Pasco in the late 1980s. While not crafted by indigenous artists, these works draw inspiration from Northwest Coast Native traditions and have become defining features of the square.

The park also houses a thoughtful memorial to fallen firefighters, adding another layer of meaning to this community space.

Recent Additions

Occidental Square keeps evolving. In 2019, the northwest corner welcomed a new children's play area complete with climbing equipment and a soft astroturf surface - ideal for little ones just finding their feet. The play space is surrounded by an attractive steel and timber bench where parents can relax while keeping watch.

More recently in 2021, a sleek public pavilion of wood and glass appeared at the south end. Measuring 30 by 90 feet, this multi-purpose covered structure serves as an outdoor classroom, performance space, or simply a place to escape Seattle's famous rain while still enjoying the outdoors.

Community Hub

What really brings Occidental Square to life is how Seattle uses it. Weekly farmers' markets fill the space with local produce and handcrafted goods. During lunch hours (typically noon to 2 PM on weekdays), you might catch live music performances that provide a soundtrack to your afternoon.

Sports fans know the square well - it's where passionate Seattle Sounders FC supporters gather before their famous "March to the Match" toward nearby Lumen Field. On summer evenings, the park transforms into an outdoor cinema complete with free popcorn, while holiday seasons bring their own special celebrations.

Feeling hungry? The surrounding area offers everything from quick coffee stops to full-service restaurants, with occasional food trucks adding to your dining options. It's a wonderful spot to fuel up while soaking in Pioneer Square's historic atmosphere.

Regardless of whether you're looking to play a game of bocce, enjoy some live music, or simply sit under the trees with a good book, Occidental Square offers a little breathing room in the city - a place where Seattle's past and present come together.