Location: North Seattle
Address: 9536 Ashworth Ave. N.
Acreage: 7.6
Before any development, Licton Springs Park in the Greenwood neighborhood was an area abundant with natural mineral springs. Native Americans living nearby treasured the springs and gave them the name “Licton.”
White settlers caught on and opened a spa with thermal baths here in 1934. They also bottled the water and sold it across the country. Apparently people came from miles around to soak in these therapeutic waters. Here’s more information on this interesting history.
A small part of the springs is still flowing at the park today, and you can check it out by walking along the park’s short trails.
Kids will like the two play structures, and adults can pull up a picnic on one of several picnic tables set under the trees.
My favorite aspect of this park are the stone tiles set into the ground that circle the play area. Take a close look, and you’ll see that each unique tile gives kids instructions on how to play popular outdoor games from around the world.
In addition to American hop scotch, you can learn how to play “Hop Round” from Great Britain, “Campana” from Italy and “Ta Galagala” from Nigeria.
#287 (Visited 5/27/11)