Dahl Playfield, Wedgwood

Dahl Playfield is pretty cool. It's next to University Prep, but don't hold that against it. There's some nice nature-y landscaping present.

Location: NE 77th St & 25th Ave NE
Number of swings: 2 regular, 2 baby
Ground material: Pebbles
Chain length: Long.


Note that the ground material here is pebbles. I think I prefer this kind of ground material. Most of Seattle's parks contain wood chips as a ground material, and I like that as well. Wood is absorbent of forces, soft, wood-smelling, but I do appreciate a good alternative. Sand is hard and gets into your shoes and every crevice of every thing you have. Rubber material is soft and cushiony, but it's a single piece, with similar shearing-action pain as asphalt. Pebbles provide a similar cushion-like absorbency without the stick/slivery mess of wood. And the sound of jumping on them! Kssssh. I like pebbles. (yeah, pebbles get stuck in your shoes too, but whatever. What do you think of ground materials? Feel free to discuss in comments section.)


I really liked Dahl Park. or Playfield. or Park adjacent to Playfield. I like the landscaping, with the pond and all, and it makes me wonder if it's natural. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised either way. This park is spacious, away-from-it-all, and the playground seems like a relatively recent version/upgrade compared with other Seattle parks.

How to get there: Bus route #68, 378 run along 75th & 25th. The 72 runs nearby on Ravenna.

Maple Leaf Playground, Maple Leaf

The Maple Leaf Playground is adjacent to the Maple Leaf Reservoir. This is a gem of a playground in Seattle. It's nice and big and there's plenty of things to play on, as well as plenty of grass. It's very popular with the neighbo(u)rhood.

Location: Roosevelt Way NE & NE 84th St
Number of swings: 4 regular, 4 baby
Ground material: Sand/Pebbles
Chain length: Long.


Spectacular playground. These swings are older, but classic. The chains are nice and long, and the swing ride is quite smooth. This playground seems to be crowded quite often; there must be nearby pre-schools. Pick off hours if you want to guarantee a spot on the swings.


How to get there: Bus route #68 runs along Roosevelt Way.

Froula Park, Roosevelt

Froula Park is in the north part of Seattle before you get to Lake City Way. It's a fun little park next to the Roosevelt Reservoir.

Location: 12th Ave NE & NE 73rd St.
Number of swings: 4 regular, 2 baby
Ground material: Wood chips
Chain length is medium.


This park is usually less crowded than others (or maybe I just wander into it at off hours), and there are some pretty views. While swinging you get to view 12th Ave NE and the tennis courts.

The delight of this park's see-saw is also noteworthy.

How to get there: Northgate-bound buses #66 and 67 stop along 12th Ave NE. Bus #68 stops along NE 75th Ave in both directions. Buses #72, 73, and 79 stop along 15th Ave NE in both directions.