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McGilvra Place

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Why McGilvra Place is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family

McGilvra Place is a delightful small urban park located at the intersection of E. Madison St., E. Pike St., and 15th Ave in Seattle. Established in 1901 and named after John J. McGilvra, whose historical homesite was nearby, this park offers a tranquil, tree-shaded triangle perfect for quiet meetups and relaxation in the city. The park is uniquely characterized by its century-old London Plane trees, which were carefully preserved during its redevelopment. This green space was formerly a traffic median but has since been transformed into a vibrant community park, embodying sustainable landscaping and urban design principles. It features native vegetation, reclaimed timber park furniture, and improved pedestrian access, making it both environmentally responsible and welcoming. Open daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., McGilvra Place is a great spot for friends to connect amidst nature within the urban environment. Its location adjacent to the Bullitt Center further connects it to the spirit of sustainability and innovation in the community. This pocket park stands out as a peaceful retreat that also reflects a strong commitment to ecological stewardship and neighborhood revitalization, ideal for visitors who appreciate green spaces with historical and environmental significance.

Here's what people think of McGilvra Place

As of recent, McGilvra Place holds a 4.3-star rating based on 13 reviews.

Overall, reviews highlight McGilvra Place as a pleasant and well-maintained green space in a busy urban setting, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from about 13 reviews. Positive feedback often praises the park's tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of its mature London Plane trees, which provide ample shade and a sense of natural serenity. Visitors appreciate the thoughtful design features such as reclaimed timber furniture and native plantings, which enhance the park's sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Many reviewers note that the park serves as a peaceful oasis convenient for quick breaks and casual meetups in the city. However, some critical reviews mention the park’s small size, which limits the available space for larger gatherings or more active recreational activities. A few users expressed a desire for more seating or amenities to accommodate longer visits. Despite these minor concerns, the consensus is that McGilvra Place effectively revitalized a once-neglected traffic median into a valued community green space. In conclusion, user reviews consistently reflect satisfaction with the park as a quiet and eco-friendly urban sanctuary suitable for brief social visits and nature appreciation within Seattle's cityscape.

Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)

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A F (Pochemu2)

A shady parklette along Madison st. The trees arch in a cathedral like direction. The bike racks are simple but seem more or less secure enough. There are plenty of surfaces to sit and rest on, and it seems folks did just that while I visited.

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Joseph Lawson

Nice and quiet spot for a quick smoke or ping pong game

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c f

This park used to be a small, simple oasis of shade in the city. Then the hideous Bullitt Center was built immediately adjacent to this park. Not only is this building ugly and disruptive to the neighborhood, but it apparently owns this public park, too. Kids used to come to this park regularly to hang out, skateboard, and enjoy being outside. Then the Bullitt Center paid a contractor to install metal studs on the concrete surfaces in the park in order to prevent skateboarding. I was in the park that day. I sat and watched as the worker came out of the Bullitt Center and installed the metal studs. How can a private company permanently modify a public park? Why does the Bullitt Center get to decide whether skateboarding is permitted in this park? Since the studs were installed, the park has been pretty much always empty. God forbid kids get out and try to have fun playing outside. The Bullitt Center sticks like a sore thumb out of this neighborhood, and the building offends me every day with its awful presence. Since they apparently control this public park like it's their front yard, I give the park one star for its lack of utility and the unsightly view afforded by its proximity to the Bullitt Center.

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C R

Nice mini park. Ping pong table is solid.

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Maria Gardner

This park is awesome for reminiscing with friends! It's a great place for night time whiskey and blunts!

How to reach McGilvra Place

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Why McGilvra Place may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out

Why rally at McGilvra Place with your friends?

McGilvra Place is an exceptional locale for gathering friends or family because it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, sustainability, and engaging public amenities. This intimate, tree-shaded triangle park located at the intersection of E. Madison Street, E. Pike Street, and 15th Avenue provides an inviting urban green space that feels both refreshing and intimate. Its historical roots dating back to 1901 give it a deep sense of place, named after John J. McGilvra, whose legacy continues in this vibrant neighborhood hub. What truly sets McGilvra Place apart is its commitment to environmental stewardship—it is the world’s first park certified under the rigorous Living Building Challenge for landscape and infrastructure. This certification means every element, from native plantings to innovative stormwater management systems, contributes to a healthier ecosystem. For groups looking to reconnect with nature while enjoying a sustainable urban space, this park offers an inspiring backdrop filled with century-old London Plane trees and furniture crafted from reclaimed wood. Whether it’s an informal meetup or a relaxed group outing, McGilvra Place fosters a communal atmosphere that encourages socializing, environmental awareness, and outdoor recreation in one of Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods.


What activities can you do at McGilvra Place that make it perfect for group meetups?

McGilvra Place offers a variety of activities that cater to groups looking for both relaxation and engagement in a green urban setting. One of the key highlights is the presence of a ping-pong table, which provides an interactive and fun activity for groups to enjoy friendly competition and laughter. The park’s layout encourages walking and bicycling, as improvements have eliminated some through-street traffic to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility—perfect for groups who want to explore the park on foot or by bike together. The reclaimed timber benches scattered throughout the park offer cozy nooks for conversation and resting, inviting groups to linger and enjoy the serene surroundings. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the interpretive programs that detail the park’s sustainability features, such as native vegetation that replaces traditional turf and innovative stormwater management systems that slow water runoff, turning visits into both recreational and educational experiences. Whether you want to play games, enjoy nature, or simply relax while chatting with friends, McGilvra Place’s compact but thoughtfully designed space offers versatile activities that accommodate groups of various sizes and interests.


How does McGilvra Place’s design enhance the experience for visitors and groups?

The design of McGilvra Place is a masterclass in blending ecological function with aesthetic appeal, which significantly enhances the visitor experience, especially for groups. Its transformation from a neglected traffic median into a thriving community park was carried out through a meticulous renovation process that protects eleven century-old London Plane trees, adding mature greenery that shades and beautifies the space. Design elements such as reclaimed wood furniture not only add rustic charm but also serve as conversation starters and points of interest for groups gathering there. The park incorporates natural stormwater management systems built into the landscaping, turning rainwater into a visual and functional asset rather than a nuisance—these subtle water features create a calming ambiance that visitors can appreciate as part of their time together. The elimination of a through-street improves safety dramatically, allowing groups to move freely without worrying about busy traffic, fostering a welcoming environment full of slow-paced activity and interaction. This thoughtful and sustainable design makes McGilvra Place especially appealing to groups who care about the environment and want to spend their time in spaces that promote health, wellness, and community connection.


What makes McGilvra Place an environmentally sustainable urban park?

McGilvra Place is distinguished by its pioneering environmental sustainability, being the first park to earn Living Building Challenge certification under the Landscape and Infrastructure category. This certification represents the highest standards for green building and landscape performance, requiring that the park operate in harmony with nature and minimize environmental impacts. A key sustainability feature is the preservation of eleven historic London Plane trees, which support biodiversity, improve air quality, and create a mature, lush canopy for shade and cooling. Instead of standard turf grass, the park uses native vegetation that better supports local wildlife, requires less water, and reduces chemical inputs, which benefits the surrounding ecosystem. Innovative stormwater management systems are integrated into the landscape to slow, capture, and clean rainwater, preventing runoff pollution and promoting groundwater recharge. The use of reclaimed wood for park furniture and enhancements further reduces environmental costs by reusing existing materials rather than sourcing new ones. Collectively, these features position McGilvra Place not just as a community gathering spot but also as a model for sustainable urban park design that educates visitors about the relationship between humans and their environment.


Why is McGilvra Place a great spot for group meetups in Seattle's Central District?

Situated on the cusp of Seattle’s vibrant Central District, McGilvra Place offers both accessibility and a peaceful refuge ideal for group meetups. This neighborhood location means it is close to many local attractions, eateries, and cultural spots that can complement a day spent at the park, allowing groups to combine outdoor time with urban exploration. The half-acre size of the park makes it manageable yet ample enough for groups to spread out, socialize, and engage in multiple activities without feeling crowded. It acts as a social oasis amid busy city life, where friends or families can enjoy fresh air, shade from grand trees, and a sense of calm that often eludes urban residents. Its adjacency to sustainable landmarks like the Bullitt Center adds an architectural and educational dimension to visits, offering groups a chance to see one of the greenest commercial buildings in the world. This proximity also reflects the neighborhood’s forward-thinking ethos about combining livability with sustainability, making McGilvra Place not just a park but a symbol of community values and environmental responsibility, perfect for groups who want their meetups to be meaningful and environmentally conscious.


How accessible and visitor-friendly is McGilvra Place for group gatherings?

McGilvra Place caters well to accessibility and comfort, making it a friendly site for group meetups that include people of various ages and mobility levels. The park’s redesign took special care to improve accessibility, including paved and pedestrian-friendly areas that facilitate easy movement for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes. The elimination of some vehicular traffic through the park increases safety and peace of mind for visitors bringing children or elderly family members. Comfortable seating areas made from reclaimed wood benches provide welcoming spots where groups can rest and socialize without feeling rushed or cramped. The presence of clear signage and interpretive information enriches the visit, helping groups learn about the park’s sustainability while enjoying their time together. Open daily from early morning to late evening, the park offers flexibility for scheduling group gatherings at times that best suit everyone’s availability, whether it’s a casual breakfast meetup or an evening hangout. Overall, McGilvra Place’s thoughtful design around accessibility makes it a considerate choice for groups looking to include everyone comfortably.


What kind of group gatherings are ideal at McGilvra Place?

McGilvra Place works perfectly for a wide range of group gatherings because of its relaxed atmosphere, interactive amenities, and beautiful natural environment. Casual hangouts with friends can revolve around the ping-pong table or simply sitting on the rustic benches sharing conversation and snacks under the trees. Small family reunions or birthday celebrations benefit from the park’s manageable size and flexible seating arrangements, allowing for intimate yet lively social interactions. Environmental or community groups might enjoy the opportunity to host educational talks or sustainable design tours, given the park’s living example of green infrastructure. Groups interested in outdoor recreation can incorporate walking or biking excursions beginning from the park, making it a fun launch point for neighborhood exploration. Additionally, McGilvra Place’s location near local cafés and restaurants makes it easy for groups to plan combined outdoor-indoor events without inconvenience, enhancing its appeal as a social hub.


How does the history of McGilvra Place add to its appeal as a meetup spot?

The rich history of McGilvra Place adds a charming layer of character that enriches visits and group gatherings. Established in 1901, the site is named after John J. McGilvra, an important figure whose homesite was nearby, tying the park to Seattle’s historical narrative. This connection to the city’s past makes McGilvra Place more than just a green space—it becomes a living homage to the community’s development over more than a century. Visitors and groups can appreciate the continuity of place, standing beneath mature trees that have witnessed generations of change, and relate their experience to Seattle’s broader story. The park’s transformation from an overlooked traffic median to a celebrated community green space adds a narrative of renewal and civic pride that resonates well with groups valuing local heritage. This historical dimension encourages visitors to see their gatherings as part of the evolving social fabric of the neighborhood, making meetups here feel both meaningful and memorable.

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