Solace in Seattle: Counterbalance Park on Queen Anne Avenue North

Counterbalance Park in the Queen Anne neighborhood begs many questions; the first is: what is a park? I would define a park as an area of natural beauty where one is able to sit and admire one's surroundings. Counterbalance Park is more of a concrete and gravel courtyard with benches and pretty lights; I move that we rename it "Counterbalance Courtyard." However, once we get past the name of this space, we can appreciate it for what it is. Counterbalance Park is a nice little area where one can sit and observe the goings on around lower Queen Anne Hill, or get lost in thought while admiring the dazzling light display.
An austere looking concrete courtyard by day, Counterbalance comes alive at night with technicolor illumination.
According to Seattle Parks and Recreation, Counterbalance was the result of three years of planning, and officially opened in July 2008.
Have you ever been to Counterbalance Park, and if so, did you find it impressive? Where do you find your solace in Seattle?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did they only just put this in? I swear I have gone past there so many times and never seen it before...

Anonymous said...

I believe it opened in July '08. I think the lights can only be seen at night, so if you passed by during the day you may not have even noticed it. It is a very nonchalant looking park.

Anonymous said...

do they always do these lights or where can i find that out at

J.G. said...

Yes, I believe the lights are always on in the evening beginning at around sunset.