Ravenna Park, one of Seattle's oldest parks, was one of the few places that managed to avoid the logger's axe during the late 1800's, resulting in the preservation of magnificent instances of old-growth Douglas fir. In 1887, Ravenna Springs Park was established as a privately owned and operated resort just north of the University District. The park is centered around a steep ravine that was covered in moss and ferns and overlooked the city. It included natural paths as well as mineral springs that were advertised as having health-promoting properties. Throughout the following decades, park owners William and Louise Beck promoted the park under a variety of names, including Big Tree Park, Twin Maples Lane, and Ravenna Natural Park, before finally naming it Ravenna Park. 
The park was purchased by the city of Seattle in 1911, and the city later lowered the lake that supplied its stream (Green Lake) and felled many great trees. Since then, Ravenna Park and Cowen Park, which is adjacent to it, have been designated as public city parks.
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