One of Seattle's most fascinating architectural experiments is hiding in plain sight, directly above Interstate 5. Opened in 1976, Freeway Park was designed by Lawrence Halprin and Angela Danadjieva to reconnect parts of downtown Seattle separated by the construction of the freeway. The result is an extraordinary landscape of towering concrete walls, winding stairways, secluded passages, and cascading waterfalls. The design has always been a little controversial. Its maze-like layout and limited sightlines have contributed to safety concerns, while maintenance challenges left some of its signature water features out of service for extended periods. During my visit, I found the architecture remarkable, although parts of the park felt neglected and uninviting. After a long wait, the waterfalls finally started running, and I got to experience how dramatically the sound and movement of water transform the space. In 2026, the park celebrated its 50th anniversary amid ongoing improvements and fountain restoration. It's a fascinating place to experience, and a reminder that ambitious architecture doesn't always translate into an inviting public space. *Best to visit in the daylight.