City Hall Park

Created in 1911, the one-acre City Hall Park is one of the largest green spaces in the downtown area. It creates a connection from downtown to Pioneer Square, with a small walking and sitting space filled with grass, trees, benches, small tables, and chairs. Enjoy family-friendly events, public art, live music, and free movies at City Hall Park. 

History of City Hall Park

In 1883, King County acquired the site and built a wood courthouse. In 1891, the City of Seattle purchased the courthouse, renovated it, and added onto it, before seeking a new City Hall site in 1909. The old city hall was demolished, and the site transformed into a public park known as “Dilling Park” after Mayor Dilling, who advocated for the careful renovation of Seattle’s “only downtown park.”

In 1916, before the United States entered World War I, the King County Building (now known as the City-County Administration Building) was partially constructed just north of the park. As part of an agreement with the County, the City updated the park and with its completion, the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a monument there commemorating the Battle of Seattle. During the 1930s during the Second World War, City Hall Park was used as a drill ground and outdoor recreation spot for the Seattle Air Defense Wing.