Green Lake Park, Urban park in north central Seattle, United States
Green Lake Park is an urban park in north-central Seattle built around a freshwater lake with a paved pathway that invites walking, running, and cycling. Around the lake there are swimming areas, sports fields, tennis courts, and picnic spots for a range of activities.
The lake formed roughly 50,000 years ago from the movement of the Vashon glacier and has shaped the region's landscape ever since. In 1911, authorities deliberately lowered the water level to create more parkland for the expanding city.
The park holds an annual memorial gathering with floating lanterns to honor those lost in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This tradition has become a meaningful occasion for the local community to come together and reflect.
The park is accessible year-round and offers parking at multiple locations along with restrooms and water fountains throughout. Visitors should know that swimming conditions are best during warmer months, while the pathway around the lake is used for running and cycling any time of year.
Within the lake sits a small artificial island that was built in 1936 specifically to provide a safe haven for bird species. This location has become an important refuge for waterfowl and adds to the park's natural diversity.
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