Parks

Gas Works Park

Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, 98103 (Map It)
Seattle Parks and Recreation Information:
(206) 684-4075 | Contact Us TTY Phone: (206) 233-1509

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Department of Ecology has approved a supplemental investigation at Gas Works Park. Work will include a geophysical survey, soil borings, monitoring well installation, and soil and groundwater sampling throughout the Park. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will lead the investigation with the City and Ecology. The focus of the supplemental investigation is to update and integrate information about the Park and the surrounding Lake Union sediments. Preliminary field activities have begun and drilling activities scheduled to begin on March 18, 2013. The purpose is to further evaluate potential soil and groundwater impacts associated with former manufactured gas plant (MGP), tar refinery, other industrial operations, and to evaluate pathways for pollutants to migrate into the lake and sediments.

Park users can expect to see track-mounted drilling rigs that will push probes into the ground in up to 80 locations in the park. A 50-foot area around each drilling location will be closed to the public while drilling takes place, then reopened, and an area for staging equipment will be signed and fenced.

After the work is done, DOE’s report of its findings and descriptions of cleanup options will be available for public review and comment. Please click here to view the fact sheet.

Please click here to go to the Department of Ecology website page for this project.

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Hours | About the Park | History | Directions

PARK FEATURES
Weddings and Ceremonies Historic Landmark Picnic Sites Play Area Restrooms Paths View Waterfront Restrooms (ADA Compliant) Paths (ADA Compliant)

HOURS

6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

ABOUT THE PARK

Gas Works Park has a play area with a large play barn, and big hill popular for flying kites. Special park features include a sundial, and a beautiful view of Seattle.

Access to Lake Union is restricted at Gas Works Park, as the lake sediment contains hazardous substances. Entering the water or launching boats from the park is prohibited (SMC 18.12.070) There is no swimming, no fishing and no wading in the park.

Burke-Gilman Trail runs past Gas Works parking lot and follows the Burlington-Northern Railroad 12.5 miles north to Kirkland Log Boom Park.

Acreage: 19.1

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HISTORY

This 20 acre point on Lake Union was cleared in 1906 to construct a plant to manufacture gas from coal - later converted to crude oil. Import of natural gas in the 1950's made the plant obsolete. The city acquired the site for a park in 1962. The park was opened to the public in 1975. The boiler house has been converted to a picnic shelter with tables, fire grills and an open area. The former exhauster-compressor building, now a children's play barn, features a maze of brightly painted machinery.

To learn more about Seattle Parks and Recreation, including historic landmarks, military base reuse, and the Sherwood History Files, view our Park History.

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DIRECTIONS

BY BUS

> Plan a trip to Gas Works Park

Trip Planner brought to you by King County Metro Transit

BY CAR

From I-5:

Take 45th St. Exit.
Go West on NE 45th St.
Turn LEFT on Meridian Ave. N.
Merdian Ave. N ends at Gas Works Park.
Turn RIGHT on N Northlake Way to turn into parking lot (on LEFT).

Parking:

Large parking lot 30 yards away with 2 handicapped parking spots.

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VOLUNTEER

In our large parks and recreation system, we could not do what we do without you.
» volunteer in a park!

PROJECTS & PLANNING

Major Maintenance
- Entry Restoration

Pro Parks Levy
- Park improvements

Gas Works Park in 1965. Photo courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives.

Aerial Map of Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park in 1960. Photo courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives.