Volunteer Park, Historic urban park in Capitol Hill, Seattle, United States
Volunteer Park is a historic urban park in Capitol Hill covering about 48 acres with formal gardens, winding paths, and a water tower with an observation deck. The grounds spread across rolling hills and include recreational areas, an art museum, and a glass conservatory filled with tropical plants.
The city of Seattle acquired the land in 1876 from J.M. Colman and initially used it as a cemetery before converting it to a public park in 1887. This transformation reflected Seattle's growth and its changing need for green space.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum inside the park displays art from China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian nations. You can see how these cultural traditions are represented through the collection on view.
The park has multiple entry points and is easy to navigate, with tennis courts, walking trails, and an observation deck in the water tower open to visitors. Restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic areas are located throughout the grounds for convenience.
The glass conservatory was built in 1912 from a prefabricated kit made by the Hitchings Company, a rare example of early modular garden architecture. Inside are five separate display houses showcasing tropical plants and uncommon plant varieties.
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