Location: South Seattle
Address: S. Norfolk St. and 59th Ave. S
Acreage: 4.4
If you’re wondering if the esteemed cancer research center has a connection to this south Seattle playground, you’re right! Fred Hutchinson was a famous baseball player who played with the Seattle Rainiers and Detroit Tigers and grew up playing ball on this playground. He passed away from cancer at age 45. Dr. William B. Hutchinson named the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in honor of his younger brother.
Bill was actually an excellent athlete himself and played for the University of Washington Husky baseball team in 1931. He ultimately chose to go into medicine instead of pursuing a professional baseball career. The park is officially named after Fred, but I like to think both Hutchinson boys are remembered on this sports field.
Kids can follow in the Hutchinsons’ footsteps by playing ball on the park’s baseball/softball fields. You’ll also find tennis courts, a full basketball court, soccer/rugby fields and a playground.
#183 (Visited 5/24/10)