Volunteer Park Panorama
Century Old Park
Seattle,
WA, 98102
United States
+1 206 684 4075
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/p..Overview
Volunteer Park displays the Olmsted brothers' late-Victorian urban style of park design. Vistas of rolling lawns, carefully clumped shrubbery, tree-lined drives and carp ponds almost make you feel like you're strolling with top hat and cane in hand. The Kew Gardens-style glass conservatory, filled with humid tropical and arid desert environments, is free to all. At the southern end of the park stands a 75-foot brick water tower with a spiraling staircase and a 360-degree view of the Seattle area, from the Olympics to the Cascades. The view is a bit obstructed by the bars on the windows, but it's lovely in late afternoon sunlight. The park's name commemorates Seattleites who volunteered for the Spanish-American War. The park is also home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum.Open Hours
Mo to Su from 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Volunteer Park was a wonderful stop on our sights to see list during our three day/two night trip to Seattle in 2006. The park and restrooms were exceptionally clean. Our three kids ages 2, 7, and 10 loved the spacious areas to stretch their legs to run and play. There is a playground area. Some picnic tables but plenty of blanket area if you want to have picnic. The red brick water tower with the sprial staircase was fun and free. The 106 steps to the observation deck was not to difficult and well worth the view. We all enjoyed the beautifully restored historic conservatory. The collection of plant life is quite impressive. I loved the large variety of orchids, ferns, and cactus. The temperature in the conservatory heated me up on a slightly cool but sunny Seattle day. The conservatory is also free to the public and the fragrance will delight your senses. It was a great way to get away from the over populated tourist areas to spend time with family for an afternoon without costing a dime. There are lots of paths and trails, great for walking, many people brought their dogs to the park, its easy to find a place for quiet reflection, or an afternoon romance.
