The Largest And Most Inclusive Playground In Washington Is Incredible
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published September 15, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
No one is too young to feel excluded, which is why it’s so important to create spaces where everyone can have fun! Conveniently located downtown near the Space Needle, Artists At Play is one of the most accessible playgrounds in Seattle, Washington. At this imaginative park, play is the prerogative of every visitor. Whether you’re traveling with family or staying in touch with your inner child, it’s worth checking out.
Soaring at 605 feet and attracting 1.3 million guests each year, the Space Needle is easily Seattle's most iconic landmark. In fact, the city's skyline probably wouldn't be recognizable without it. This supreme example of oddball architecture has inspired design since it was first built for the 1962 World's Fair. You'll find Artists At Play in the same complex, along with several theaters and fabulous museums.
Initial planning for Artists At Play began in 2012. The goal was to create an accessible space dedicated to dynamic fun for all ages and abilities. The Seattle Center solicited the help of renowned local artists to assist with the project, and this creative A-team conceptualized the play area together.
Though the playground's centerpiece is a thirty-foot-tall observatory tower, planners designed the park to accommodate multiple age groups. The result is a layered set of suspension bridges, slides, climbing nets, and opportunities for imaginative play.
Children can fly on ADA-accessible basket swings or take the accessible merry-go-round out for a spin. Best of all, these play sets are entirely integrated alongside other playground equipment. This result is a space that meaningfully celebrates diversity and inclusive fun!
The artists responsible for the playground's original design were inspired by its proximity to MoPOP, Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture. They incorporated sensory experiences into the playground, masterminding ingenious creations like the sound fence, upright xylophones, stump-o-phones, and a large rain stick. These features provide fantastic learning opportunities and make Artists At Play uniquely interactive.
A visit to Artists At Play will put you within walking distance of many other family-friendly Seattle attractions. If the Science Center or nearby museums aren't your jam, beat the heat at the International Fountain, where upbeat music pipes through inground speakers.
Play belongs to everyone and Artists At Play is a celebration of our capacity to have fun. It’s easily one of the most creative and accessible playgrounds in Seattle and I think it’s absolutely worth a visit if for no other reason than to appreciate its inspired design. Easily combined with Seattle’s other inclusive attractions, visitors who intend to explore the city should include this unique play area on their bucket list.
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