Escape the city and relax among the gorgeous green lawns, picnic areas and canals of this modern urban park.
Refresh your sensibilities at the Downtown Park, a green sanctuary in the center of Bellevue. This 20-acre (8-hectare) commons was designed to provide city dwellers with a space in which to relax, exercise and find relief from the busyness of urban streets. Walk along its shaded promenade, photograph its unique water features and eat a picnic on its manicured lawns.
The City of Bellevue acquired most of the land for the park in 1983 and its design was decided via a public competition. The winning design included a circular promenade, giving the park a unique aerial layout of a circle within a rectangle.
Amble along the peaceful promenade, which is flanked by shady trees on one side and a stepped canal on the other. This scenic path is popular with joggers and walkers. At the end of the promenade, admire a shallow waterfall, which is 240 feet (73 meters) in width and flows into a reflective pond below. Look for ducks cruising across the water’s surface in the park’s ponds.
Take a seat on the 10-acre (4-hectare) lawn area and admire the pretty views of the city skyline and Mount Rainier beyond. Read a book or bring a food basket to the picnic tables and enjoy a meal amid pleasant surrounds.
Bring the kids to the play area to burn off excess energy. Head to the formal gardens and look for the park’s World War I memorial. The memorial is comprised of a collection of trees set around a plaque commemorating those who gave their lives.
During the winter holiday season, head to Downtown Park to skate on a public ice rink. If you haven’t skated before, attend one of the Learn How to Skate nights on the rink.
After enjoying the park, explore the neighboring attractions in downtown Bellevue. Go shopping at Bellevue Square, watch a movie at Lincoln Square or see the latest exhibition at the Bellevue Art Museum.