Waterfall Garden Park - Seattle, Washington - Shady Park with Waterfall to Curb the Noise of the City

The shady courtyard in Pioneer Square known as Waterfall Garden Park makes visitors feel as though they are miles away from the urban bustle outside. A22-foot waterfalldrowns out all street noise, lending the lush space an air of calm. Mature shrubs and Japanese maples planted alongside the iron enclosing fence block garden visitors from view. Visitors may sit and rest awhile at one of the bistro tables scattered throughout the garden. Waterfall Garden Park is a clean, well-kept, and well-swept place hidden in the heart of Seattle. This is asecret spot well worth visitingon a walk through the district and not well advertised amongst tourists.

Located at Main and Second Streets, this secluded, lovely park offers an oasis for sightseers, shoppers, and Pioneer Square locals with a majestic waterfall and surrounding seating. A popular lunchtime spot, Waterfall Garden is also wired with power outlets for those wanting to plug in outside. Privately built and maintained by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Waterfall Garden marks the birthplace of the United Parcel Service. The park was created by, and is maintained by, the Annie E. Casey Foundation. It is located at the site of the 1907 founding of the United Parcel Service (UPS) and commemorates thatoccasion.

Finished in 1978, the park is a 60-foot-by-108-foot brick enclosure featuring a 22-foot waterfall in one corner, composed of natural granite boulders taken from a nearbymountainside.

The falling water requires the pumping of 5,000 gallons of water per minute, which is continuously filtered and re-circulated for conservationpurposes. At each of the two entrances stands a sculpture with water flowing over it, and a small stream runs around the perimeter of the enclosure. According to a posted pamphlet about the park, the purpose of the sculptures and stream is to literally surround visitors withwater.

This is a great spot for weary kids, and their parents, to rest or blow off steam. Tables and chairs invite picnicking and afternoon reading, while the walkways invite some casual exploring. The noise from the waterfall allows for privacy inconversation. The garden is privately maintained and has an attendant on-site.

Traveling to the park is easy and convenient. From Interstate 5, both north- and southbound drivers should take the James Street exit. Turn west toward the water and then left on 2nd Avenue. Immediately angle right at the "Y" and cross South Washington Street, staying on 2nd Avenue. The Garden is one block ahead, across from the fire station.The area is served by too many Metrobus routes to list. Metro's trip planner can be checked for specific routes regarding public transportation to and from the park. The park is also served by the Waterfront Streetcar.

Whether passing by for work or pleasure, the park is a nice pit stop to unwind and escape the realities of the world. The waterfall notice will do wonders to help visitors escape the rat race of the city.