Cal Anderson Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cal Anderson Park |
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The park on May 13, 2006
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| Type | public park |
| Location | Capitol Hill, Seattle, Washington |
| Area | 7.37 acres (29,800 m2) |
| Created | September 24, 2005 |
| Operated by | Seattle Parks and Recreation |
| Open | All year |
| Public transit access | Capitol Hill Station |
Cal Anderson Park is a fun public park located in Seattle, Washington. You can find it in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. This park is special because it includes a water reservoir called Lincoln Reservoir and a sports area known as Bobby Morris Playfield. It's a great spot for outdoor activities and relaxing!
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What Can You Do at Cal Anderson Park?
The park has many cool features for everyone to enjoy.
Water Fun and Play Areas
At the north end of the park, you'll find a large water fountain called Waterworks. It looks like a mountain and feeds into different pools. There's a shallow pool, a reflecting pool, and a wading pool. The wading pool is open during the summer from noon to 7 p.m., perfect for cooling off!
The south end of the park has the Bobby Morris Playfield. This area is lit up, so you can play sports even after the sun goes down.
Other Cool Features
Here are some other things you can find at the park:
- Shelterhouse
- Plaza
- Children's play area
- Caged tennis courts with outdoor lights
- Basketball courts
- Dodgeball court
A Look Back: History of the Park
Cal Anderson Park has an interesting history, going back over 100 years!
How the Park Started
The Lincoln Reservoir was built a long time ago, starting in 1889. It was finished in 1901. This reservoir was important for the city's water supply. A piece of land just south of the reservoir was named Lincoln Park in the same year.
Famous landscape designers, the Olmsted Brothers, helped design the park. They designed many parks in the Seattle area. In 1908, the park became a playfield. In 1922, its name changed to Broadway Playfield. This was to avoid confusion with a new Lincoln Park in West Seattle.
Naming the Playfield and Park
The playfield was named after Bobby Morris in 1980. Bobby Morris was an important public official in King County, Washington. Meanwhile, the area around the reservoir was known as Lincoln Reservoir Park.
On April 10, 2003, the entire area was officially named Cal Anderson Park. It was named after Cal Anderson, who was a respected state legislator in Washington. He was a very important public servant.
From 2003 to 2005, the reservoir was updated and covered.
Park Recognition and Events
In 2009, Forbes magazine recognized Cal Anderson Park as one of the 12 Best City Parks in the U.S. That's a big honor!
The Seattle March for Science event took place at the park on April 22, 2017. In June 2020, many people gathered at the park for protests.
Getting There: Light Rail Station
You can easily get to Cal Anderson Park using public transport. The northwest corner of the park has an entrance to the underground Capitol Hill Station. This is part of Sound Transit's Link Light Rail system. It makes visiting the park super convenient!
