Westlake Park

The Heart of Downtown

Designed by Robert Mitchell Hanna and opened in October 1988, Westlake Park is a modest 0.1-acre plaza that has become something of Seattle's unofficial living room. Its history goes back further than the current design, though: in the early 1960s, the southernmost block of Westlake Avenue was closed to traffic to build the original southern terminus of the Seattle Monorail, which opened in 1962 as part of the Century 21 Exposition - better known as the Seattle World's Fair. The mall and park that exist today replaced that earlier arrangement.

The park stretches east from 4th Avenue, occupying what was once part of Westlake Avenue between Pike and Pine streets. Just across Pine Street, you can find the Westlake Center mall and Westlake station, a key transit hub where the monorail and light rail converge.

Seattle's Community Canvas

If Seattle needed a town square, Westlake Park has naturally filled that role. This is where people gather, protest, celebrate, and connect. The park's fountain acts as both a visual centerpiece and a practical playground - on warm summer days, you'll likely spot kids splashing around in its cooling waters.

Throughout the year, the park transforms with the seasons. During the holiday season, the space glows with Christmas lights and festive decorations, creating a postcard-worthy downtown scene that draws photographers and revelers alike.

Small Space, Big Offerings

Despite its compact footprint, Westlake Park offers several recreational options. Challenge a friend (or stranger) to a match on the giant chess board, test your aim at cornhole, or show off your ping pong skills. Families appreciate the children's play area with climbing structures that give the little ones a place to burn energy while parents take a downtown break.

Hungry? The regular rotation of food trucks means you're never far from diverse dining options. The park's scattered tables and chairs make it a natural lunch spot for office workers and a relaxation zone for tourists taking a shopping breather. The space is managed by the Downtown Seattle Association in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, maintaining regular programming and upkeep. Security staff maintain a regular presence, helping ensure the park remains welcoming for everyone.

At the southern edge of the park stands the Seaboard Building, a designated Seattle landmark dating to 1909, when it was constructed as the headquarters of the Northern Bank & Trust Co. At the time, it was one of the first significant commercial buildings this far north in downtown Seattle. Today the ground floor hosts retail and commercial tenants, the middle floors are office space, and the upper floors have been converted into condominium apartments.

Entertainment Central

Westlake Park hosts regular concerts, food truck festivals, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. A modest stage accommodates performances that often provide the soundtrack to summer afternoons and early evenings.

From holiday celebrations to community gatherings, the plaza adapts to different events and activities. The annual tree lighting ceremony during the Christmas season draws particularly enthusiastic crowds, becoming something of a Seattle tradition.

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Looking Ahead

Change is coming to this downtown plaza. The park closed in October 2025 to begin a significant overhaul timed to Seattle's role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in June 2026. The renovation goes well beyond cosmetic updates - the existing fountain and arch are both slated for removal, new landscaping is planned throughout, and traffic bollards will be installed to provide vehicle-crash protection around the plaza.