Meadowbrook Playfield Park

Address: 10533 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Stewardship contacts: Sue and John Samaras; Katherine Ransel; Nathaniel Brown; Sue McGann; Lee LeCroix; Janine VanSanden; Terry Vogel.

Types of fruit grown within this orchard: cherries, crabapples, pears, apples, apricots, plums, peaches, quince, figs, berries, chestnuts.

 

Background and history:

The Meadowbrook edible hedge, community garden, and orchard are a part of a larger recreational complex, including the Meadowbrook Pool, Meadowbrook Playfield, and Meadowbrook Community Center, all managed by Seattle Parks.  All are located on the former site of the Fischer family farm, which included two barns, cows, chickens, and horses, berry gardens and several crops.  The Fischers subdivided and sold the property in the 1920s.  It served as a polo field and later a golf driving range.

 

The site contains mature (very large) pear trees and an Edible Hedge, including filberts, chestnuts, quince, berries, figs, peaches, pears, nectarines, and apricots along its southern border (105th St NE).  The North Orchard contains cherries, crabapples, pears, apples (Spartan’s and Hudson’s), apricots, plums, peaches, and quince.  A newer orchard has been planted in the lower meadow and there are plans for a fig orchard.