View Ridge Park

From Pasture to Playground: A Brief History

Believe it or not, the spot where you might be tossing a frisbee today was once home to grazing cows. View Ridge Playfield transformed from simple pastureland into a community park in the late 1940s, as post-World War II development swept through the area. The site officially became View Ridge Playfield in 1948, thanks to dedicated neighborhood groups who fought to keep this green space intact as the surrounding area developed.

You'll sometimes hear older locals reminiscing about playing here as children. While the park has certainly evolved over the decades, it's managed to hold onto that special neighborhood charm that makes it feel like the community's backyard.

What You'll Find

Spread across 9.1 acres, this community park strikes a nice balance between natural beauty and recreational facilities. Tall evergreens, oaks, and other leafy trees create welcome patches of shade across the grounds. Smooth paved paths connect the different areas, making it easy to navigate whether you're on foot, in a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller.

The park is generally well-kept with plenty of trash cans available (always appreciated!). There's no dedicated parking lot, but you'll discover street parking around the perimeter - just be prepared for a bit of a hunt during busy summer weekends or when events are happening.

Get Your Game On

The park features a softball field, baseball fields, and basketball courts for organized sports. The generous grassy areas work perfectly for impromptu soccer games, frisbee tossing, or just sprawling out on a blanket with a good book.

The open fields are particularly popular for ultimate frisbee games, but it's worth noting they can get a bit muddy after rain (consider yourself warned!). Many neighbors also use these spaces as unofficial dog socializing spots, bringing their furry friends for games of fetch and making new two-legged and four-legged friends in the process.

Kid-Friendly Zone

For the younger crowd, the park offers several attractions. The playground area boasts two wooden play structures - a smaller one excellent for toddlers just finding their feet, and a more challenging setup where older kids can climb and explore. A set of six swings caters to different ages, from bucket seats for the little ones to traditional swings for bigger kids.

Near the picnic area, you'll come across a sandbox often filled with community-shared toys (though bringing your own is always a safe bet). During summer, the wading pool is popular with little ones who can splash around and cool off. Some locals call it a splash pad, and on hot days, it's absolutely the place to be - just remember to keep a watchful eye on your water-loving kiddos.

Gathering Spaces

The park's large covered shelter with picnic tables makes an excellent venue for birthday parties and neighborhood get-togethers, rain or shine. This spot includes wheelchair and stroller accessible seating, which is a thoughtful touch. Fair warning: this popular area fills up quickly during summer weekends, so arriving early might be necessary if you're planning an event.

If you prefer something more intimate, additional picnic tables scattered beneath mature shade trees offer quieter spots for smaller groups. What's nice about View Ridge is how it offers both sunny open fields and cool shaded retreats, letting you choose your own outdoor experience depending on the weather and your mood.

Practical Stuff

You'll come across indoor restrooms on site, but they're fairly basic and could use better lighting. The park has made efforts toward accessibility with its paved paths and inclusive play options.

There's drinking water available - a lifesaver during Seattle's warmer months. The park keeps generous hours, opening at 4 AM and closing at 11:30 PM daily, giving early birds and night owls alike plenty of time to enjoy the space.

View Ridge Park serves both as a recreational space and as a neighborhood gathering spot. Its preservation over the years shows the community's commitment to maintaining green spaces in this part of Seattle.