University Playground is located in the University District neighborhood at 801 NE 50th, 98105. It is 2.8 acres.
Olmsted Brothers’ 1903 Comprehensive Plan recommended building independent playgrounds in addition to an interconnected park and parkway system. They urged the city to secure land “where there are opportunities for playgrounds.” By 1909 the board of parks commissioners were in the process of acquiring this tract, which they noted was “in the heart of a well settled residence district and nicely situated.”