Written By: Todd Burley For 26 years, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) Senior Gardener Gail Hering has been the keystone of maintaining Seward Park’s landscapes. Her dedication and craft were recently recognized on an international level by the Green Flag Award as the Employee of the Year in their Best of the Best Awards. Seward Park is the first municipal park to receive the… [ Keep reading ]
Heading into its 6th year, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is offering to waive fees for community individuals or groups to host performance-based art in select Seattle Parks. Performances can consist of an array of styles and include: theatrical, comedic, spoken word, toast masters, acoustical concerts, and more. This opportunity is open to new permittees who host their event in one of nineteen Seattle parks near or around the Park’s amphitheater. Parks include… [ Keep reading ]
The Trust for Public Land has ranked Seattle as the 8th best parks and recreation system nationwide in its 2026 ParkScore index. The Trust analyzed the 100 largest U.S. cities and used mapping technology and demographic data to determine how well each city is meeting the need for parks. Points were awarded for five characteristics of an… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle’s waterfront is gearing up for summer with the reopening of Myrtle Edwards Park (Seattle Parks and Recreation) and Centennial Park (Port of Seattle) on the morning of June 4. Together, these parks provide more than a mile of shoreline and 16 acres of open, public park space where people can stroll, bike, relax,… [ Keep reading ]
Many Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. These facilities and services are CLOSED: These facilities are OPEN on regular schedules:
Translated Materials available below Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is inviting the community and visitors to celebrate soccer across the city through “The Beautiful Game” series! More than 100 special soccer-themed recreation games and events will be offered while our city hosts the international soccer tournament. The series includes indoor and outdoor watch parties, youth soccer Jamborees, and more than 60 recreation games at community centers, parks,… [ Keep reading ]
Registration Opens May 19 Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Summer 2026 program brochures are here! You’ll find all the upcoming in-person, drop-in, and virtual programs in the catalogs below. Registration opens on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Ready to enroll in a program? Head to our registration site or contact the community center that you’d like to register at! Scholarships (financial aid) is available For… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will temporarily close two Off Leash Areas (OLAs) beginning May 18 to complete maintenance improvements and site work. Woodland Park Off Leash Area Closure The Woodland Park Off Leash Area will be closed from May 18 through May 29. During this time, crews will conduct tree trimming and maintenance work and deliver and spread fresh surfacing… [ Keep reading ]
Written by: Todd Burley Spring is a magical time of transformation and growth. For many species of birds, it is also a time of heroic flights across thousands of miles to reach their summer homes. Seattle not only hosts many of these migratory birds from May to September, but is also along the route for… [ Keep reading ]
Translated Materials available below Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is excited to announce the 2026 Summer Aquatics hours! Whether you’re looking to swim laps, cool off, or spend time at the beach, SPR offers a variety of ways to enjoy the water across the city all summer long. Explore the 2026 Summer Aquatic schedules: Outdoor Pools This summer’s outdoor… [ Keep reading ]
