Parsons Gardens: Queen Anne's Small Landmark Garden Park

Frequently asked questions

Parsons Gardens is at 650 W Highland Dr in West Queen Anne. It sits at one end of West Highland Drive, across the street from Betty Bowen Viewpoint and not far from Kerry Park.

Parsons Gardens Park covers 0.4 acres, making it one of the smaller city parks in Queen Anne.

Parsons Gardens is a popular spot for summer weddings. Contact Seattle Parks and Recreation for current booking details and rules.

The site was the private garden of Reginald and Maude Parsons from 1905. Their children donated it to the city in 1956, and it is now a designated City of Seattle landmark.

From Family Yard to Public Garden

The story begins with Reginald and Maude Parsons, whose home stood here from 1905 and whose private garden grew alongside it. In 1956, the couple's children gave the property to the city, opening a family space to everyone as a public park.

That gift explains the garden's other name, Parsons Memorial Garden. As you stroll the paths, remember that its protected status as a City of Seattle landmark recognizes the site as part of the neighborhood's heritage, not just a patch of green.

Planning Your Visit to Parsons Gardens Park

Parsons Gardens Park is compact, so think of it as a short, quiet stop rather than a long outing. That small scale is exactly its charm, giving the space the intimate feel of a neighbor's garden instead of a sprawling city park.

Seattle Parks and Recreation notes that the garden is a popular spot for summer weddings, so if you arrive on a warm weekend hoping for a peaceful visit, you may find an event in progress. Check with Seattle Parks and Recreation before you go for current rules, rentals and details.

Landmarks All Around the Block

Parsons Gardens sits at one end of West Highland Drive, directly across the street from Betty Bowen Viewpoint. The better-known Kerry Park is a short distance away, so it is easy to pair the garden with a walk along the drive.

Keep wandering and you will find a dense cluster of historic sites in the surrounding blocks, most within about a tenth of a mile:

Parsons House
Stuart/Balcom House
C. H. Black House / Gardens
McFee/Klockzien House
Bowen/Huston Bungalow
West Queen Anne Walls

Marshall Park, another small green space, is just steps from the garden. Find more places to eat, shop and explore nearby in our West Queen Anne neighborhood guide, or browse more Seattle parks to build a longer day outdoors.