Counterbalance Park: An Urban Oasis
Location: 2 Roy St. (at Queen Anne Ave)Counterbalance Park has had many identities over the years. This 12,000 square foot lot at the corner of Queen Anne Ave and Roy St was the entrance to the “counterbalance” tunnel, home to gas stations, neighbor to the infamous “blob” building and now, a community plaza. In the late 1990s Seattle and the community developed a neighborhood plan featuring a park within walking distance of businesses and the thousands of residents of Lower Queen Anne, as well as the many visitors to the nearby Seattle Center.
The City of Seattle acquired the site in 2004 with funds from the Pro Parks Levy. Seattle Parks Foundation assisted with fundraising and, partnering with the Uptown Alliance, raised more than $1 million from the community, local businesses, and government grants. Designers believed community input was vital; the park is a peaceful tree-lined plaza, featuring innovative lighting elements and performance spaces.
Counterbalance Park will provide a place for the community to gather in one of Seattle’s densest neighborhoods – it will truly be an Urban Oasis.
For more information, contact Woody Wheeler.