White Center Heights Park

White Center Heights Park

November 11, 2018
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Location: White Center/West Seattle
Address: S.W. 102nd St. and 7th Ave S.W., Seattle
Acreage: 5.57

If you are thinking that you’ve seen the typical neighborhood park with a couple of picnic tables and maybe a path, White Center Heights Park bursts the boring bubble. Trees line the two sides of the park that face adjacent roads, making this park an out-of-sight secret for the White Center neighborhood in southwest Seattle.

The first thing you’ll notice are the intriguing rust-colored pillars with colorful “windows” that frame a welcoming central space. These columns are named in honor of the late Deputy Steve Cox, who died in the line of duty.

And yes, you’ll find picnic tables, benches and barbecues here, but not of the ordinary sort. Two sliced boulders and a piece of wood make for artistic and natural seating in several spots. And, there’s even a spot for an Umu, a special underground barbecue pit commonly used in Pacific Islander communities. (It looks like it hasn’t been used lately from the looks of the grass growing on top.)

Take a stroll on the dirt and gravel path, which passes a small P-patch and meanders around the lawn. Look up so you don’t miss the bird houses perched high up to create attractive resting spots for birds at this area that also features a wetland. To get a better look at that, cross the amazing footbridge. One of the coolest I’ve ever come across in a park, this bridge spans the small pond and has a seating area and information placards halfway across. This is a photogenic spot to linger. Side trails lead off into other corners of this neighborhood.

Another thing that’s so cool and unusual about this park is that it was designed by students from the UW’s landscape architecture program. How many young people get to put park design on their resumes? The park came about thanks to a large donation by Starbucks to King County, which owns and manages the park. And, the White Center Community Development Association plays a large role in all cool things happening in this community.

#494 (Visited 11/8/18)