Counterbalance Park: An Urban Oasis

Photo & Text Copyright 2009 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

This pocket park on the site of a former gas station in the Uptown neighborhood is six months old. During the day it doesn't seem like much more than an extremely tidy vacant lot surrounded by an artful wooden walkway on two sides, a few saplings planted here and there, and several benches lining two tall concrete walls. The center of the park is covered with gravel rather than grass or plants. There is a concrete slab at an angle in the back corner to serve as a stage area, and the architect's drawing shows intentions for tables and chairs to be introduced under the trees at some point. At night, though, the tiny park becomes a jewel alive with bright moving vertical bands of color illuminating the two tall walls at the back. What the park needs if it is to live up to its hoped for "urban oasis" status, though, is water: a low pool, a rocky fountain. . .even cobblestones that would reflect when they are wet with rain. . . something natural and fluid.