Laurelhurst Playfield

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Laurelhurst Playfield is a popular destination for residents and visitors in the state of Washington.


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Summary

This 31-acre park located in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle is an ideal place for picnicking, jogging, playing sports, and relaxing. The park is open year-round and is free to the public.

One of the main draws of Laurelhurst Playfield is its variety of sports facilities. The park features baseball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground for children. Visitors can also take advantage of the walking and jogging trails that wind through the park.

In addition to its sports amenities, Laurelhurst Playfield offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. The park is situated on the shore of Lake Washington, providing visitors with stunning water views. The park also has a natural wetland area, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and herons.

Interesting facts about Laurelhurst Playfield include its role in the city's history. The park was originally developed in the 1920s as part of a larger effort to create a system of public parks in Seattle. Since then, it has become a beloved gathering place for families, athletes, and nature enthusiasts.

The best time of year to visit Laurelhurst Playfield depends on personal preference. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities, such as picnicking and playing sports. Fall is a beautiful time to visit, as the leaves on the trees surrounding the park change colors. Winter may be a bit chilly, but visitors can still enjoy the park's walking trails and lake views. Spring brings blooming flowers and the return of migratory birds to the wetland area.

Overall, Laurelhurst Playfield is a wonderful destination for those seeking outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Its sports amenities, stunning views, and historical significance make it a must-visit park in the Seattle area.

       

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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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