Sam Smith Park

Location and History

Tucked atop the I-90 lid in Seattle, Sam Smith Park offers a clever use of urban space - a green oasis floating above a busy interstate. It's not every day you get to stroll through a park that's essentially a roof over a highway!

The park bears the name of Seattle's first African American City Councilmember, Sam Smith, who worked tirelessly to promote social justice and build bridges between communities. Pretty fitting for a park that literally bridges neighborhoods, right?

Recreation Facilities

This urban space offers a variety of recreational options. The children's play area got a nice facelift in 2016, creating a safe haven where kids can climb, slide, and let their imaginations run wild. What's great is how it caters to different age groups - your toddler won't get trampled by bigger kids, and older children won't be bored. Plus, being set back from main roads means you can actually hear yourself think while watching the little ones play.

Scattered throughout are picnic tables where you can unfold your feast or celebrate birthdays without the hassle of restaurant reservations. Nothing beats cake in the fresh air!

For those trying to keep fit, the park doesn't disappoint with its adult exercise equipment and well-maintained tennis courts. You can just bring your workout clothes or tennis racket and exercise while enjoying the surroundings.

The open fields provide plenty of room to toss a frisbee or kick a ball around.

Natural Features and Pet Areas

Blue Dog Pond isn't just a detention pond - it's one of Seattle's off-leash areas where dogs can run free and socialize.

The park's landscaping transforms with each season, showcasing Seattle's natural rhythm from spring blooms to autumn colors. Just be aware that some plants and trees have seen better days in recent years as maintenance has been inconsistent.

Art and Culture

Take a moment to appreciate the Urban Peace Circle, a thoughtful sculpture by local artist Gerard Tsutakawa. It stands as a quiet memorial to children lost to gun violence in Seattle's inner city - a powerful reminder of community resilience amid the playful surroundings.

Accessibility and Connectivity

The park welcomes everyone with wheelchair-accessible paths, ensuring nobody misses out on its charms.

One of the coolest things about Sam Smith is how it connects to the wider area. Trails weave through and beyond the park, fantastic for biking, walking, or your morning run. You can easily find your way to nearby Jimi Hendrix Park or Judkins Park if you're in an exploring mood.

Don't miss the bicycle and pedestrian tunnel that links up with the Mount Baker Tunnel. There's something oddly satisfying about pedaling or walking through this passage, sometimes adorned with rotating artwork that makes each visit unique.

Viewpoints

If you're into urban photography, you've hit the jackpot. The park offers some surprisingly good angles of the city skyline that even drone enthusiasts have discovered. It's one of those hidden spots that makes you feel like you've uncovered a secret Seattle vantage point.

Sam Smith Park might not top the tourist brochures, but it offers recreation, art, and green space in the heart of the city - all while utilizing the space above a major interstate.