Parks & Public Spaces
As stewards of a rapidly growing center city, we’re committed to delivering a great urban experience — in downtown parks, on our sidewalks and everywhere in between. Well-designed parks and public spaces make downtown more inviting, livable and vibrant. Art installations create a sense of place and encourage public interaction. Major events and everyday activities make for all-ages fun throughout the year. Plus daily cleanings and regular security offer a safe and welcoming experience for all. Read on to learn more about what we’re doing, along with the support of Metropolitan Improvement District ratepayers, to deliver on our vision to make downtown everybody’s neighborhood.
Parks Events
Parks News
Read Our Reports
The DSA/MID’s biannual parks reports serve as a comprehensive overview of our efforts to enhance and activate DSA/MID-managed spaces within downtown. These reports detail and showcase the positive impact of each dollar invested in these communal areas.
Public Space and Art Projects
Public spaces are the front porches of great cities – spaces that foster public life and create a sense of place. At any given time, DSA is leading or partnering on public space projects throughout downtown and art installations in Westlake Park and Occidental Square. Whether it’s by enhancing crosswalks, adding flowers and greenery, improving lighting, or installing interactive art in two of the busiest parks in the city, we’re committed to harnessing local creative talent to build a rich, accessible downtown experience for everyone.
Learn MorePartners
To enhance downtown parks and other public spaces, DSA partners with the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, to manage and activate Westlake Park, Occidental Square, Pioneer Park, McGraw Square and Bell Street Park.
Contact Info
General Park Info:
Michael Johnson, Director of Parks & Public Spaces
206-613-3902
michaelj@downtownseattle.org
Sponsorships:
Jennifer Casillas, VP, Public Realm & Ambassador Operations
206-613-3225
parks@downtownseattle.org
Art and Public Space Projects:
Seth Geiser, Manager, Urban Planning & Design
206-613-3916
sethg@downtownseattle.org
Park Rules
The Seattle Municipal Code prohibits:
- Placing any structure or obstruction in the park without a permit
- Dogs or other pets that are not leashed; person with dog must carry and use equipment for removing feces.
- Sale of merchandise without a permit
- Amplified sound without a permit.
- Camping
- Liquor (open or closed container)
- Littering
- Skateboarding, roller-skating
- Illegal gambling
- Urinating or defecating
Parks Code of Conduct (enforceable under SMC 18.12.040) prohibits:
- Depriving others of their use or enjoyment of the park
- No smoking
- Unattended items
- Creating a risk of harm to any person or property
- Obstructing pedestrian traffic; interfering with the provision of services or the use of park property
- Disrupting Parks and Recreation activities.
- Abusive or harassing behavior