Volunteer Park was the first park designed by the Olmsted Brothers as part of Seattle's master park systems plan, spanning 48.3 acres throughout the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood today.

The charming park space was originally acquired from lands owned by J.M. Colman, which were donated to the city in 1876. This historic Olmsted Park was the first Olmsted designed park in the city.

In addition to the park's permanent landscaping, from July through the first frost beautiful dahlias bloom in abundance, thanks to the the efforts of the Puget Sound Dahlia Association, whose members have been planting them each year since 1984. It earned its current name after lobbying efforts by Seattle theater critic Willis Sayre, meant to honor volunteer servicemen in the Spanish-American War. Today, the park is home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum, along with a designated landmark conservatory facility, a water tower observation deck, and a beautiful chestnut tree allé. Other park attractions include a concert grove and pergola, landscaped lawns, and a unique sculpture by artist Isamu Noguchi, which is colloquially referred to by area residents as "The Doughnut."

Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112, Phone: 206-684-4075

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