Lincoln Park Playground Is Back and Better Than Ever

I love it when things come full circle! And that is exactly the case with the updated Lincoln Park playground — located at the south end of the park, just a short walk from the Fauntleroy ferry dock in West Seattle.

This playground was well-traveled by my boys pre-pandemic, but it was closed suddenly seven years ago. As a great meeting place for families and children, it was sorely missed. The wait was worth it, though, as Seattle Parks and Recreation unveiled an updated and expanded playground with structures accessible to children of all ages and abilities. It’s a renovation of the cool playground from the ground up.

A nautical playground with new structures for endless play

As my 5-year-old daughter and I approached the playground, I knew she’d delight in the striking feature visible from the pathway. “A whale!” she proclaimed. Indeed, an orca whale — a central figure in the park’s design — rises from the wood chips. Of course, all the children at the park wanted to climb up its back. When else can you sit on a whale’s blowhole? The nautical theme is lightly sprinkled throughout the playground with ample amounts of ropes, a ship’s wheel and a life preserver pictured on the climbing structure lookout.

Having spent many a day at this park before its renovation, I can say that this new playground is a much better use of space, with more age-appropriate play equipment. The redesign also included improved access via paved walkways. The walkways make it easier to navigate the park, as there are varying levels throughout the playground and a terraced hillside. They also added a paved patio space. (Parents are the ones to notice these types of things, right?) There are essentially four areas of play: an expanded climbing ropes course, swings, a playground structure for ages 2–5, and a multi-story play structure for children ages 5–12.

The smaller play structure for the preschool-age crowd offers a slide and climbing tube, as well as some musical drums to encourage tactile play and sound creation. To double the fun, there’s a seesaw, with two seats on each side. It’s placed near the swing set, which includes two baby swings, so it is removed from the larger play structure and safer for small children.

While my daughter and I were exploring the park, it was clear that the larger play structure was a surefire hit. Children gravitated toward climbing the different structures, including a tower that offered a view down to the Fauntleroy ferry dock from the top. The structure’s design is big enough to offer multiple slides (including a curly one), new monkey bars with hand grips to challenge young gymnasts, rope structures to weave through, a mini climbing wall, and a twisty fire pole for a quick exit.

As I watched my daughter play on the playground, a game of tag broke out on the larger play structure and the giggles and play were turned up a notch — releasing a good measure of energy before bedtime.

Noticeable improvements to the Lincoln Park playground

Back in the day before the old playground was dismantled, there was a rickety zip line that really needed to go. Now, where that once stood, a long rope climbing feature challenges kids to improve their skills and balance.

What I really love about this playground (in addition to its beautiful forested setting and a view of the water) is how accessible it feels. The design creates connections for kids and parents to better interact and observe. There are no blind spots and the short retaining wall along the edge makes for a sitting area to view the action.

If you’ve visited Lincoln Park before, you may remember that this south play area is a convenient and unique location for a birthday party. A rentable picnic shelter overlooks the playground and gives you built-in entertainment possibilities. One note of caution here is that the terraced hillside leading up to the picnic shelter can be difficult for small children and some adults. There are other pathways to climb up or down the hill, but they require a slightly longer walk.

Just beyond the picnic shelter are bathroom facilities, which make it all very convenient and easy.

West Seattle playgrounds, pools and walking paths nearby

Beyond this renovated playground, there’s lots more to explore at Lincoln Park, including a second playground that is found by walking north to the interior of the park. It features swings, climbing equipment and an updated zip line. It is also designed with inclusive and accessible play elements, such as a group saucer swing and a small alcove for sensory-sensitive children. You’ll find a scattering of picnic tables and a covered shelter for parties or events here, too.

For the hotter summer days, the north playground is adjacent to the Lincoln Park wading pool, which is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. until Sept. 5. Bring your towel and suit for a free summer activity.

Lincoln Park also boasts a walking path that runs along the shoreline from end to end. Kids can explore the beach, toss a rock into the water or just climb along the logs. This is not a sandy beach, but a typical northwest shore with rocks, shells and driftwood. For more exploring, you can hike on the trails that veer off from the walking path into the forested areas and climb up to the rest of the park. These trails can be steep at times and are not ideal for any type of wheels, but the shoreline walking path is perfect for strollers, scooters or bikes.

Additionally, at the park’s westernmost point, you’ll find Colman Pool. This Seattle landmark with stunning Puget Sound views from the Olympic-size heated saltwater pool is open every day in the summer with recreational swim times in the afternoon.

Just past Colman Pool, you’ll bump into the Dambo troll named Bruun Idun, who seems entranced by forest life. Many photos have been snapped in front of this large, loveable wooden creature and you won’t want to miss your chance to do the same.

Restaurants and things to do in West Seattle

Ready to refuel? Try a couple of nearby eateries that are mostly frequented by locals. Wildwood Market is just a bit south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock with a modern take on the corner store. Everything I’ve tried here has been delicious, but I recommend the purple beet Reuben — or order the traditional version instead if that’s your vibe. You can also grab a seat at an old favorite across the street for lunch or dinner, Endolyne Joe’s, named after the conductor of the neighborhood’s bygone streetcar.

And don’t miss the Taquitos Feliz taco truck along Fauntleroy Way. It’s always busy and that is a good sign, I’d say. My son loves the enchiladas here. You’ll find the truck parked at the 76 gas station at the north end of Lincoln Park, so you can grab a taco plate and walk back over to the park for an easy picnic.

A tried-and-true dessert option is a visit to the famous Husky Deli in the Alaska Junction. Since 1932, this locally-owned establishment has been churning out scoops of ice cream (and pretty darn good sandwiches, too) that are sure to make you very happy. Swing by on your drive home from Lincoln Park.

The playground is also a short walk to the south parking lot located off Fauntleroy and near the Fauntleroy ferry dock that serves Vashon Island and Southworth. Walk-on ferry passengers with kids will find this park’s playground can be especially helpful for burning off some energy before boarding the boat. From the ferry, you’ll have views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Lincoln Park shoreline and maybe even an orca pod known to feed around Vashon.

I’d say this is a perfect day in the making and it’s all come full circle for me with a playground renovated for more fun and memories. Plan to make some memories, too!