Occidental Square — Attraction in Seattle

A Vibrant Urban Oasis in Seattle. it is a lively and historic public park located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood. This urban oasis is known for its beautiful tree-lined paths, vibrant art installations, and bustling community activities. Occidental Square serves as a central gathering place for residents and visitors, offering a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

The park is surrounded by historic buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, giving visitors a glimpse into Seattle’s past. The square itself has undergone several transformations over the years, evolving from a commercial hub to a beloved public space.

Design and Features: The design of Occidental Square combines natural beauty with urban functionality. The park features wide, cobblestone-paved pathways lined with mature London plane trees, creating a canopy of green that provides shade and a sense of tranquility. The open layout encourages leisurely strolls and offers plenty of seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Art and Installations: Occidental Square is adorned with a variety of public art installations that add to its vibrant atmosphere. Notable pieces include totem poles and sculptures that reflect the cultural diversity and artistic spirit of Seattle. These artworks create focal points within the park and contribute to its unique character.

Events and Activities: The square is a hub of activity, hosting a wide range of events and community gatherings throughout the year. From outdoor concerts and fitness classes to art markets and cultural festivals, there is always something happening in Occidental Square. The park’s flexible space allows for pop-up events and performances, making it a dynamic and engaging place to visit.

Seating and Amenities: Occidental Square is equipped with numerous amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The park offers a variety of seating options, including traditional benches, movable chairs, and tables that encourage social interaction. There are also chess boards, ping pong tables, and other recreational activities available for public use. The presence of food trucks and nearby cafes ensures that visitors have access to refreshments and snacks.

Community and Social Impact: Occidental Square plays a vital role in the community, providing a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather and connect. The park’s design and programming are aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Partnerships with local organizations and businesses help to support and sustain the vibrant activities that take place in the square.

Proximity to Attractions: The park’s location in Pioneer Square makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Nearby attractions include the Pioneer Square Pergola, the Smith Tower, and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The square is also within walking distance of the Seattle waterfront and the bustling Pike Place Market, making it a convenient stop for tourists.

Safety and Maintenance: Occidental Square is well-maintained and regularly patrolled to ensure the safety and comfort of its visitors. The park’s cleanliness and upkeep are evident in the well-groomed landscaping and tidy public areas. Efforts by the Downtown Seattle Association and local community groups contribute to the park’s overall appeal...

Occidental square is a gem in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square. It is fun to see how well used and loved it can be on a sunny summer afternoon - with the bistro tables filled for lunch, live music through a Seattle support-the-artists program, people playing the park-maintained ping-pong, corn hole, basketball, mini-soccer, bocci, etc. games. Having grown up in Seattle, I'd watched over the decades as every attempt at getting the occupants of the beautiful historic buildings out into the park failed - scared off by the seedier aspects of an urban public space. Kudos to BRV - famous for redesigning use of NYC's Bryant park and starting a movement. Seattle brought them on to rethink Occidental and Westlake parks. The problems with both were significant and thus the positive results even more so. Bistro tables are their trademark, but also concessionaires, games and onsite staff. Unfortunately, I have one big disappointment with Occidental in the past year. The food trucks were beloved and drew large crowds of people out of their offices creating a huge positive vibe for the park. Apparently, the competition wasn't appreciated by the surrounding restaurants and after trying fewer trucks, the city gave in to pressure and banished them entirely. The result is a loss for the community. The loss of dynamic of the park is strikingly obvious when sitting at empty bistro tables, listening to live musicians playing to few people. Please bring back the trucks! And find a solution to address neighboring restaurant concerns. A vibrant park...

Come on Saturday Morning & have Coffee & Pray with our Homeless Brothers & Sisters!

Reach Ministry has been a Peaceful & Welcoming Presence @ Occidental Park for a Long Time Now! This Tribe of Believers has been passing out PB & Jelly Sandwiches & Loving People right where they are at...for Years. Consistently.

Come talk to Rich Sims about Opportunities to Partner with Reach to make a difference in Seattle & Outlying Areas!😊💖🌟

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