Leschi, Seattle facts for kids
Leschi is a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, USA. It sits on the western shore of Lake Washington. The area was named by its early developers after Chief Leschi. He was a leader of the Nisqually tribe.
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Where is Leschi Located?
Leschi is next to Lake Washington on its east side. To the south, you'll find Interstate 90. On the west, it borders Martin Luther King, Jr. Way South. East Cherry Street forms its northern edge.
Homes in Leschi
Homes in Leschi come in many styles. You can find modern apartments, called condominiums, especially near the lake. There are also older, fixed-up bungalows and craftsman-style houses. Some homes are made of brick, while others are Tudor or mid-century rambler styles.
The streets here are often curvy. This means many homes have at least a partial view of the lake. Leschi is known for having a mix of people. It's not just for the rich, even with some expensive lakefront houses. People from different backgrounds and income levels live here. You'll see grand old houses next to more modest ones.
The neighborhood also has many green spaces. There's the popular Leschi lakeside park. Plus, smaller "pocket parks" are spread throughout the area.
Parks in Leschi
Leschi is home to several cool parks. These include Leschi Park, Frink Park, Flo Ware Park, Powell Barnett Park, and the "String of Pearls."
Leschi Park History
People say that Leschi Park was once a camping spot for Chief Leschi. He was a leader of the Nisqually tribe. In 1856, there was a conflict called the Battle of Seattle. This happened after a treaty in 1854 took away native lands. Chief Leschi was later executed.
In 1889, this spot became a fun amusement park. It was the end of a trolley line. The park had a casino, gardens, boat rentals, and even a zoo. The zoo animals were given to the city in 1903. The park itself was sold to the city in 1909. It became one of Seattle's first public parks.
Today, Leschi Park is a beautiful place. It has rolling green hills with unique trees and rose gardens. Paths wind through the park. There's a tennis court and a playground with slides and a sandbox. You can also find a grassy area with willow trees. From there, you can look out at Lake Washington and many sailboats.
Frink Park History
Since Seattle's early days, Frink Park has been a natural forest park. City residents could enjoy views of mountains and the water. It was first set aside as a "private" park in 1883. Later, John M. Frink, a Seattle parks commissioner, and his wife bought the main part of the park. They gave it to the City on October 25, 1906.
In 1908, the City bought more land next to the park. Other lands were given as gifts. The City also bought some lots to create a parkway. This parkway connects Leschi and Frink Parks. Today, a group called "Friends of Frink Park" works to protect this special urban forest. They help make sure the park stays important to local people and the city.
Flo Ware Park
Flo (Florasina) Ware (1912-1981) was a very active person in Seattle. She was known for speaking up for children, older people, and those in need. In 1982, a Seattle Parks playfield was named in her honor. It's located at 28th & Jackson.
The park was updated in 2002. It received $540,000 for improvements. These included art that celebrates Flo Ware's life work. In recent years, the Leschi Community Council has hosted free music events there.
Powell Barnett Park
Powell Barnett Park was first chosen as a site for a junior high school. It was developed as a running track and athletic field for Garfield High School nearby. In 1962, the "Garfield Track" was no longer used. It was then sold to the Department of Parks in 1966.
The community helped improve the playground in 1967. In 1969, the Leschi Improvement Council suggested naming the playground after Powell Barnett. He was a man with many interests and a lot of energy. He worked hard to improve race relations and bring people together. Powell Barnett started the Leschi Improvement Council and was its first president in 1967. He also helped organize the East Madison YMCA. On May 19, 2006, the community, Starbucks, and the City of Seattle celebrated a big makeover of Powell Barnett Park.
Special Events in Leschi
In the 1980s, the Leschi Improvement Council declared Leschi a "nuclear-free neighborhood." This means it's the only neighborhood in Seattle to ban nuclear reactors, submarines, or missiles. It still remains nuclear-free today.
Seattle's Old Cable Car
From September 27, 1888, to August 10, 1940, a special cable car ran through Seattle. It traveled along Yesler Way from Pioneer Square all the way to Lake Washington. You can still see some of the old cable car tracks in certain parts of the neighborhood today.
Images for kids
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Leschi Park and boat dock, ca. 1910
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