Location: North Seattle
Address: 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N.
Acreage: 323.7
I don’t know if this is actually true, but Green Lake Park seems like it must be the most frequently used park in Seattle. It doesn’t seem to matter what the weather is, this park is always filled with walkers, runners, bikers, swimmers, bladers and much more. It’s like our own miniature Central Park.
The state of Washington gave Seattle Green Lake Park in 1905. Before that, parts of it had been claimed by homesteaders and logged. It is such an urban setting today that it’s hard to imagine there were once wild animals including elk wandering around the area. In fact, Seattle’s own David Denny is thought to have killed the last elk in 1869. According to Historylink.org, it weighed 630 pounds!
These days you’ll still see plenty of animals, but now they are mostly squirrels, water fowl and dogs. In fact, a walk around Green Lake often feels like a dog show. Every breed of every shape and size struts its stuff next to proud owners. Single guys with cute puppies can line their pockets with telephone numbers after a walk around the lake.
The 2.8-mile path that circles the lake doesn’t get boring thanks to the great people and dog watching happening all around. The path is great for strollers and wheelchairs and kids on trikes. Bicyclists usually avoid it because it’s so overcrowded that they end up dodging pedestrians who aren’t in the know on the “wheels” versus “feet” lane etiquette.
In the summer, two sections of the lake have guarded swimming areas, which looks like an unofficial day camp it’s so packed with happy kids. You can also rent paddle boats and other watercraft to explore the lake.
Year-round, soccer, softball, baseball and pickup basketball games take place at one end of the park. The Green Lake community center and indoor swimming pool also keep the park busy in winter.
But, indoor activities or not, it takes a lot to keep a true Seattlelite out of Green Lake Park even on a miserable rainy day.
#16 (Visited 8/19/09)