Located at 700 Queen Anne Ave N. (northeast corner of the intersection with Roy St), it is named for the Counterbalance line which ran nearby.

The inner area was set off from the outer ipe decking with a lit, elevated corner, which would be echoed by uplighting on the north and east retaining walls.

[4] Originally, Counterbalance Park was designed by Murase with a water feature flowing over boulders in the northeast corner of the inner area; however, due to budget constraints, this was never implemented.

[8] To honor the private donor that made the largest single contribution, an "art element" was added consisting of five sculpted rocks.

The implemented "art element" was criticized because the final designs were never reviewed or approved by Seattle Parks staff prior to installation, and the execution was seen as inelegant.