Kinnear Park

What secrets does a hillside hold? High atop Queen Anne Hill, overlooking the bustling city and the shimmering Puget Sound, lies Kinnear Park. Kinnear Park isn’t just a patch of green. It’s a living testament to Seattle’s history, a stage where the drama of nature and the ambition of man have played out for over a century. In 1887, real estate developer George Kinnear, a man who understood the value of both land and legacy, sold an 11-acre parcel to the city for a single dollar. This act of generosity laid the foundation for what would become a beloved urban oasis. A few years later, he gifted another 3 acres, further solidifying Kinnear Park’s place in Seattle’s heart. Imagine the park in its infancy. Landscape architect E.O. Schwagerl, Seattle’s superintendent of parks, shaped the land, planting trees and designing amenities that would bring joy to generations. His vision blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the hillside, creating a two-tiered paradise. A vibrant lawn and open space crowned the bluff, while a tranquil wooded area nestled below. Disaster struck on Christmas Day, 1894. A massive landslide tore a 150-foot section of the bluff into Elliott Bay, a dramatic reminder of the power of nature. This event, coupled with the economic Panic of 1893, forced the Park Board to focus their limited resources on the upper portion of Kinnear Park, the area safely perched on the solid bluff. But even in the face of adversity, Kinnear Park continued to flourish. The views from the upper park, stretching across the Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains, remained breathtaking. In 1900, the Seattle City Council chose this very spot for their official inspection tour, a testament to the park’s enduring appeal. Even the renowned John C. Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed New York City’s Central Park, praised Kinnear Park’s design in 1903, recognizing its value and its potential as a model for future bluff parks. Today, Kinnear Park stands as a designated Seattle landmark, a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of those who have worked to preserve its beauty. As you stand here, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet. The generosity of George Kinnear, the artistry of E.O. Schwagerl, the resilience of the community in the face of natural disaster – all of these stories are woven into the fabric of Kinnear Park.