Dawson Playfield

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dawson Playfield is located in the city of Seattle, Washington and is a popular destination for visitors.


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Summary

The park covers an area of 6.6 acres and features a playground, basketball court, and several sports fields. The park is a great place for families to spend the day and enjoy outdoor activities.

One of the main attractions of Dawson Playfield is the playground which features numerous swings, slides, and climbing structures for children of all ages. The basketball court is also a popular spot for visitors as it is well-maintained and provides a great opportunity for a pickup game.

In addition to the playground and basketball court, Dawson Playfield has several sports fields including a baseball diamond, soccer field, and softball field. These fields are often used for local tournaments and events, making the park a hub of activity during the summer months.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was named after Eugene Dawson, a former Seattle City Council member who was instrumental in securing the land for the park. The park is also home to the South Central Seattle Little League, which has produced several major league players over the years.

The best time of year to visit Dawson Playfield is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get quite crowded during peak times, so it is best to arrive early in the day to secure a parking spot and avoid the crowds. Overall, Dawson Playfield is a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a fun and active day out in Seattle.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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