Ella Bailey Park

Candidate for “the best” Seattle park, tucked away on the east slope of Magnolia with sweeping views of the city and Elliot Bay. Nothing beats this on a Sunny day! Great playground areas, two picnic areas, two basketball hoops (half courts), lots of grass for sports, and a paved circular track for walking/riding.

i’ve had such good experiences in this place, i sparked here, hung out with friends here, stargazed here. really nice view to the city, always calm at night, whenever it’s warm people usually come out and grill and have a bbq, bunch of kids running around. great place to take your girl out. good place to talk. good place to think. eat lunch here. it’s a good place, and none of that hood shit. it’s so calm. cautious neighbors always. real nice place

A beautiful park with children play area, large ground, basketball area, path for cycling, benches for picnic. Remains open from 4AM TO 11PM. Street parking is available. Stunning views of Queen Anne, Seattle downtown, sea, Space needle.

Gorgeous view at this huge park. There are 3 different play structures, swings, and a basketball hoop. Plus a little loop for kids to ride their bikes around a wide grassy area. There was plenty of street parking on a Thursday afternoon, but I imagine it may fill up a bit on the weekend.

Fun little park on the south east side of Magnolia. Sweeping views of Queen Anne hill, some of Downtown Seattle and the port. Great place to watch 4th of July fireworks. You can see the top of the Space Needle from here as well. On clear days you can even see the snow topped Mount Rainier. They have several picnic tables, a few public grills, a few kids playground areas and a few basketball 1/2 courts. No parking lot, but there is street parking quite abundantly available. Near bus stops. No public restroom, but I have seen a few porta-potties there lately.

A nice park with children play area , benches if you want to picnic. It also has great view of the city skyline. Has a nice walking area around the park. Plenty of street parking and it’s free.

What an amazing hidden gem this park is! My daughter loves the playground and swings here plus the hopscotch 😆. The view is amazing and has plenty of space for picnics.

If you are looking for a view of Seattle and Rainer, this is a great place for it! Go in the late afternoon though so the sun is further west and better for photos.

This is one of the best views of the Seattle skyline you can get for free. The park itself has almost nothing to it beyond a play structure, which I think is no accident based on how many people were just sitting around taking in the view. It's very similar to nearby Lawton in that it almost adjoins an Elementary School, but feels less clean and a little more unsafe due to the brambles. I would definitely drop into Ella Bailey Park if you're visiting Seattle because the view is unmatched, but I think it could be redesigned to be a bit more visually interesting and a little less sparse.

This park has transformed into a family friendly neighborhood amenity from a rugged asphalt field filled with weeds, trash and undesirable neighborhood space. Since it's restoration in 2007 it has become amazing place for play, picnics, walking and simpleton sight seeing. Views of downtown seattle, Mount rainier, Elliott bay, cascade mountains are simply breathtaking.

This is a great place to get a glimpse of the space needle. We always walk here on New Year's day to check out the view! I have seen people come here on the Fourth of July as well. I think I came here one time for the Fourth. It was too far away, to be honest.

A friend of myne recommended this park. Boy it did not disappoint. It was not crowded at all and you get an amazing view of downtown, mount rainier. There are no restrooms but they have the portable ones. Parking on the side of the street. An amazing place to go and relax at the end of the day. I would highly recommend to visit this park.

I love this park. Gorgeous views, ample playground, nice field, and hidden away so there's always great parking. This is probably my favorite place to hang out with a coffee (and let my toddler run wild) and enjoy the scenery; aside from Kerry Park, of course. There is a playground for little ones and another playground for big kiddos. Even though I can't imagine ever BBQ'ing here, they do have pits if that's your jam. I think mostly locals come here (and I come from Greenwood to ruin that), and they are always super friendly. The park is always immaculate, even after it rains.

Stopped real quick at this park to look at the view. It's super close to my new apartment and I wanted to check out the neighborhood. This park is small and cute with a great view. There's a playground, picnic tables, and a BBQ grill. For bathrooms though, it's a port a potty. There's also basketball courts! Cool local neighborhood park. Not a tourist destination.

A hidden view of Seattle, this puts Kerry Park to shame. I never would have known this park was hidden here unless a local had told me. It's located behind the old school and has recently been renovated. It really is a gem of Magnolia, having a full view of the city, Mt. Rainer, and Elliott Bay. It's truly breathtaking. And that's just the view. There is also a great playground, swings, half basketball courts, a big open grass area, and picnic tables. Also lots of free parking in the area. It does however lack in shade, so bring sunscreen. It's definitely one of my favorite hidden parks in Seattle.

Ella ... oh, what a lovely name ... and what a lovely park! As other yelpers have attested, the view here rivals Kerry Park, and from an architectural point of view it's positioning on the side of a steep hill will captivate you. I did some research on the name and found this info on the city's parks website: "The Park is named after Ella Bailey, who in 1929, wrote to Seattle Parks and Recreation and offered to sell the land to the City. She was a teacher for more than 30 years, and realized the importance of city parks and playfields. She wanted the land secured for a children's playfield. On Nov. 14, 1929 she sold this land to the Parks Department for $3,250." So there you go. Or rather, go there. You'll love it. Whether it's to fly a kite, gaze the gorgeous skyline - day or night - or have a roomy picnic ... this park is a favorite and one I hope to visit often. Lots of room to play basketball and for children to run and play. Don't forget your camera, some sunscreen and a comfy blanket!

A lovely view and some great features: I happened on this property a couple of years ago when it was the ruins of the Magnolia School playground. I took a picture of it because as nature will do, it had reclaimed the old playground after mankind had left it alone. It was cool to see that natural transition, against the beautiful view of the city. Unfortunately I can't locate the aforementioned picture I took but I am looking. That being said, I went up there today and discovered to my delight, it was transformed into a beautiful city park. It is really great what Seattle Parks and Recreation has done here. They not only put in a beautiful park boasting a fabulous view, they also designed it for its intended purpose, recreation. The spacious 2.4 acre city park is equipped with two basket ball courts, playground equipment for the tots, picnic tables with barbeques, and a general playfield. With all those amenities, Ella Baily Park is sure to become one of the most beloved parks in the city .

What a wonderful park! It's great for us and fantastic for the kids. The park offers one of the best views in Seattle. We could see the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, the water, Alki Beach. Simply amazing. The children's play area is new and full of stuff to do: play sets, swings, slides and half basketball courts. Very large grass area to run and play ball as well. For picnics, the metal picnic tables remain clean and dry. There is also plenty of grass area for picnic blankets. The park is sunny in the morning and gets more shady in the late afternoon and close to sunset. You can plan your visit based on your preference. We loved our time there today. Definitely a hidden gem. I'm taking visitors there instead of Kerry park next time! Enjoy it!

Great little park with amazing views of the city and Mt. Rainier when its clear enough. Also has 2 basketball hoops (not full court), some rails for skateboarders to grind, a nice walking/biking path for little kids, modern playground equipment with mulch and a a few picnic tables and 2 places to grill. No bathroom but there is a portable toilet (which I would recommend avoiding unless you have no sense of smell)

Enjoy the scenic city and Puget Sound views! Great for toddler play and picnicking or walking your dog or even getting some yoga or tai chi in:)

An absolutely gorgeous place for a walk. take up a quick escape from the city head to this place to get some good exercise and fresh air! It feels a little hidden and it's smaller than other fields/parks nearby, but I find for that reason that it's also less crowded. Good for kids, Dog walking, or picnics. They have bike racks, a nice little playground with swings, walking paths and picnic tables. Oh! And great views here of the mountains and The Sound, too. I don't make the trip to Magnolia just to see this little patch of green land, but if I'm biking through the area I like to stop here for a bit and rest.

My GOD what a view. The pictures here don't do it justice and the vista is much wider than Kerry Park. The playground has some setups more suited for school-age kids than toddlers and there are a surprising number of small grills that dot the park. Like many of the small Seattle parks, there's no real bathroom except for a single Honey Bucket near the basketball courts. Every rose has its thorn...

Actually I don't want to review this park because it's too perfect! The coolest play equipment anywhere wit the best view of the bay and Seattle! Plan on spending hours here!

I love exploring and discovering new places and this is definitely one of my new favorite spots in Seattle! It has a great view of the city and Mt. Rainier, is a gorgeous spot for photography, picnics, catching sunsets, .. comes equipped with a good sized playground and field, and plenty of space and parking without all the crowds. Definitely a hidden gem to check out if you're in the area!

Beautiful park to come on a sunny day and relax. Get a book or your music collection, lie back and enjoy. Parking is limited but enough.

A park which has a little bit of everything. The play structure area is equipped with tire swing, swing set, play structure, all of which is new. There is a basketball court, a park bench and table area which is on the other side, very comfortably away from the noise. As well there is a slightly smaller than football size field. Oh, did I mention it overlooks Seattle? It is quite a beautiful view, complete with Mt. Rainer in the background. It isn't a close up like Kerry Park, but it is just as good being secluded in a lovely part of Magnolia. I love coming here, bring a frisbee or a picnic. There isn't a demographic that won't like this park, as long as you like being outside!

This park has one of the most beautiful views of Seattle in the city that I've been to yet! I love stopping here for a picnic or just to take in the views on a clear day. I would almost deduct one star bc I've noticed a lot of rats near the picnic area but give the park extra stars for the view so I think it's still a 5-star one for me. :)

Amazing park, hidden jem in Seattle. The best view in the city hands down. Just a regular park, swing sets, families, basketball court, you know good neighborhood living. Worth the trip to Magnolia, grab some snacks, sit in the grass and enjoy life.

One of my favorite places in Seattle. Small, sweet, tucked away, big views, a few picnic tables and grills. Worth a hike up the hill!

This park not only offers a fantastic view of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainer but also has a great playground for the kids, a small walking track (also great for kids just learning to ride a bike), and a nice picnic/barbecue area. There's plenty of grass, and they now have a space set up for kids to play soccer. I enjoy spending time here to read, hang out with friends, or even take a little nap.

Best park in town!! It has an amazing view, great picnic area which I've had a couple events/parties their. It is really well maintained, clean and safe. The only bad thing about this park is that it only has street parking which can be very crowded and for people who have well behaved dogs off leash they aren't allowed and must be on leash.

Spectacular view is a welcome distraction for parents with small children. Brand new play lot, wood chips and table seating.

My favorite view of the city. Way better park experience than Kerry park, and just as good of a view. Great for summer picnics! (Looking forward to that...)

This place has such an amazing view! Came here really late for a late picnic of sorts. We got to sit at the picnic tables and just talk while looking over at the view! I had so much fun and am glad I was taken to this great park. I can't wait to go back, but maybe during the day to see more. Also, I did feel safe sitting out here and the weather was perfect, even though it being so late.

The view...the view...the view. You don't need to head over to Queen Anne to get a view like this. The park is small with a few lunch tables and a walkway that lines the perimeter. It is mostly occupied by nannies and moms with kids during the week but there are times you can have the park entirely to yourself. If you live in the neighborhood, it's a great place to have a quick meal or coffee outside or take out of towners there for picture opportunities.

Love this park! Awesome views and enough play things for all ages. The grassy area is perfect for picnics and kicking the ball around. Only downside to this park is the grassy area gets really soggy when the rain comes. Bring your rain boots!

This park was one of our favorite surprises when we moved to Magnolia. The park is rarely busy, and there is plenty of space to run around with sweeping views of the city and the sound. This is a hidden gem in the city!

This is truly an excellent park. The views are fantastic. There were a ton of kids playing and spacious green lawns. Seriously though, a great community park. In May there were already a ton of kid's birthday parties set up and frenchies frolicking around the park.

Worth the walk up the hill. Stunning views of the city with high usefulness per acre: playground, picnic benches, open green grass, and basketball courts. A little something for everyone - bring the family, plan a date, get some exercise, whatev!

Is this an off leash dog park or not? I don't see any dogs in the pictures and no mention of dogs in the reviews. Yet, I found it through google mixed in with other dog parks.

I am a huge fan of the views at this park--absolutely stunning! But watch out for the grumpy man who lives in the blue house across the street--he's very protective of his small dog and seems to think he's neighborhood dog patrol if you even think about letting your dog roam at your feet while you eat/read. He will come out of his house to make a point even if you are the only person there...it's a bit disturbing. :(

This is probably one of my favorite family friendly park.. Love the view and the neighborhood!

Amazing view of the Seattle skyline and the Mt. Rainier. Also check out the Ursula Judkins viewpoint too. Both are great spots for photographers.

What a fantastic place. We had our wedding pictures done here and they turned out fabulous!