Remember the Great Seattle Fire? It was devastating. Cal Anderson Park stands here today because of it.
This park is more than just green space. It is a landmark with a rich and surprising story. Cal Anderson Park has evolved. It has mirrored Seattle’s own growth and struggles.
Originally, this land was a marsh. It was part of John H. Nagle’s property. Nagle was a German immigrant. He settled here in the 1850s.
After the Great Seattle Fire in 1889, the city needed a reservoir. They bought Nagle’s land after his death in 1897. The plan was to build a reservoir. This would prevent another fire disaster.
In 1901, the Lincoln Reservoir was completed. It held 21 million gallons of water. The area south of it became Lincoln Park. Later, it became Cal Anderson Park.
The Olmsted Brothers designed the park. They were famous landscape architects. They also designed Central Park in New York. Their initial plan included walking paths. It also featured ornamental plants.
Children played on the land south of the reservoir. The Olmsteds revised their plans. A baseball field was added. A wading pool and shelterhouse followed.
The city erected a large canvas tent. This allowed Broadway High School students to practice gymnastics. The Christian Endeavor held a convention here in 1907. It hosted 3000 people.
Seattle’s population tripled between 1900 and 1910. A cinder running track was installed around the reservoir. This was a temporary measure for public use.
In 1922, the park was renamed Broadway Playfield. This was to avoid confusion with another Lincoln Park. In 1980, it became Bobby Morris Playfield. This honored a local graduate.
Finally, in 2005, the park was named Cal Anderson Park. This honored Washington’s first openly gay state legislator. Cal Anderson died in 1995.
From 2003 to 2005, the reservoir was rebuilt. It became a covered basin. In 2008, security cameras were installed. They aimed to combat crime in Cal Anderson Park.
Cal Anderson Park was named one of the best city parks in the U.S. by Forbes magazine in 2009.
In 2017, the Seattle March for Science took place here.
In 2020, protesters occupied the park. They declared it part of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. It was later renamed the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.
Today, Cal Anderson Park is a vibrant space. It features Waterworks. This includes a water fountain and wading pool. The Bobby Morris Playfield is also a key feature. You can also find tennis courts, basketball courts, and a children’s play area.
The park stands as a testament to Seattle’s history. It reflects the city’s evolving identity. Cal Anderson Park continues to be a gathering place. It is a destination for all.