Perhaps you are seeking a blend of nature and recreation. Woodland Park offers just that in the heart of Seattle.
Woodland Park is a 90.9-acre public park. It sits in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge and Green Lake neighborhoods. The park began as the estate of Guy C. Phinney. He was a lumber mill owner and real estate developer.
Phinney died in 1893. In 1902, the Olmsted Brothers firm was hired. They designed Seattle’s parks including Woodland Park.
Aurora Avenue N splits the park in half. It is also known as State Route 99. The Woodland Park Zoo occupies the western half. You will also find a baseball field and a playground there.
The eastern half is often called Lower Woodland Park. Arched bridges connect it to the zoo. This part features trails, an off-leash dog park and a picnic area. There are also ballfields, a pitch and putt golf course, horseshoe pits and a skate park. Lawn bowling is available too. This area is contiguous with Green Lake Park.
Guy Phinney purchased 179 acres in 1889. He wanted to develop a residence and commercial park. His design included a large house, formal gardens and a bandstand. He added a hotel and a menagerie. Walking trails led to Green Lake. Phinney installed a beach and bathhouse there. He also laid down a trolley line. It connected the park to Fremont.
After Phinney’s death, the city purchased the estate. In 1903, the Olmsted Brothers suggested changes. They proposed that the upper portion be a zoo. The eastern part should be for recreation. In 1908, John Charles Olmsted created a new plan. The Great Lawn became the park’s focal point. Playgrounds and tennis courts were arranged along the lawn. Zoo buildings were placed near the formal gardens. The park’s woodlands were enhanced with trails.
In 1932, Aurora Avenue was extended. It bisected the park. The Woodland Park Zoo is on the west side. Woodland Park is on the east. Three footbridges connect the two sides.
Woodland Park is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot a western coyote or a rabbit. Keep an eye out for a barred owl. You may even see a Red-eared slider turtle.
Common bird species include American crows and goldfinches. Look for American robins and Anna’s hummingbirds. Bald eagles and barn owls also live here.
Mammals in the park include coyotes and coypus. Feral rabbits and brown rats are common. You might see western gray squirrels or North American beavers.
The most common reptile is the red-eared slider. Spring peepers and garter snakes can also be found.
In 1925, a memorial was erected to honor President Warren G. Harding. He delivered a speech at Woodland Park in 1923. Over 30,000 Boy Scouts attended a national jamboree. It was one of Harding’s last speeches. He died six days later. The memorial was demolished in 1977. It is now buried beneath the zoo’s African Savanna exhibit.
The Woodland Park Zoo Main Gate Comfort Station is another interesting feature. It was completed in 1931. The building served the main west gate of the zoo. It is designed in the Colonial Revival style.
Woodland Park continues to evolve. Yet its commitment to recreation and natural beauty remains unchanged. Take a stroll. Enjoy the blend of nature and urban life here at Woodland Park.