Lake Meridian Park
14800 SE 272nd Street
Kent, WA 98030
Lake Meridian is the very first park we explored when we first moved out here. A little more than a mile from our home and right off of Kent-Kangley Rd, it was close and obvious. The park itself has two main components — the lake’s swim area and the play area. But also has several large open grassy areas.
Until last year, the play area was a HUGE disappointment. A rundown wooden structure, a broken tire swing and treacherous rubbery ground cover.
I cannot tell you how excited I was when they tore the whole place up and began rebuilding. The new play area (built in early 2012?) is one of the best around.
WHY WE LOVE THIS PARK:
First of all, it’s close to home. A quick ride up the street and we’re there. We can usually go there on a whim just after dinner or on a lazy Saturday with little planning or organization. Because if we forget anything, home’s not far away.
Also, it’s a great park in all weather.
Hot, sunny days — take a swim in the lake. It’s surrounding dock keeps most of the wake from motor boats down to a minimum. Lifeguards are on duty daily from mid June to early September. (For 2013, they are on duty 11am-7pm June 15-Sept 2) Life jackets for children are provided by Kent Parks and are available on first come first serve basis. Concessions are also available during lifeguard hours and are reasonably priced. It’s hard to pass up an ice cream bar when you’ve been spending the day in the sun and water.
Fair weather days — have the kids run off some steam on the play ground. A sprawling “tree top” themed structure with plenty of slides, climbing ladders, stairs and webs, paired with a smaller pirate ship that overlooks the lake will keep kids of all ages entertained. There’s also a merry-go-round, a giant spider web, a few swings, and some musical play instruments.
Just remember, since the play area is right off the lake, you can get a cooler wind coming off the water. The park tends to feel a few degrees cooler than the actual outdoor temperature.
Rainy days — Put on the boots, jump in the puddles, splash around and watch the ducks by the boat launch. In the fall, collect leaves; in the spring look for baby fowl, squirrels and robins. Take shelter in the large covered picnic area if the rain gets to be too much.
Snowy days — I haven’t personally been yet, but they have some rolling hills that would be perfect for sledding. (Have any of my readers been? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
This park will keep everyone occupied for hours. Whether, you’re swimming in the lake, or the kids are searching for the scavenger hunt items, or you break out a game of catch, frisbee, or stroll up the road for a hike at Soos Creek Trail — it’s difficult to be bored here.
You’ll find scavenger hunt lists. One is located on the main play structure in the alcove beneath the big slides.
The other list is on the pirate’s ship. The emblems are hidden throughout both play structures.
(If someone can clue me into where to find the Silver Sword and Orange Monkey, I will be forever grateful. They’ve eluded us for several visits.)
They do have swings. When it was first built, there were two standard swings and two plastic seated swings with buckles. One of the standard swings has recently been removed (I assume it was broken). So, swing-lovers may need to be patient and wait for a turn.
DRAWBACKS:
On a nice, warm afternoon or during an event, there will be NO available parking unless you’re here EARLY. The few parking spots fill up fast and most folks stay all day. Nearby businesses are strict when it comes to lake parking — do not test them; they can and will tow vehicles. Carpool if you’re going with a group. If any locals know of ‘additional’ parking somewhere, I’d love in on the secret. *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*
If you’re going to hang near the play structure the restrooms are long walk back to the “lake side”. Honestly, we’ve had more than one ‘accident’ because a newly trained kid couldn’t make the trip to the potties. So, use the restrooms first and check with the kids often before you hit the dreaded, “Oops. Too late.”
RESTROOMS:
The restrooms are very typical for public restrooms. For the size of this park, they’re small. They do have a shower stall (I think one in each men’s and women’s restrooms) and a changing table in the women’s. But they’re dark, concrete and can get dirty quickly when the park is busy.
They’re also housed in the center an outdoor rotunda type of building. It’s beautiful, with climbing wisteria and surrounded by flowers. But the teens and transients tend to populate these areas. So be prepared for skateboards, foul language and sometimes smokers in the area.
DOG OWNERS:
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and are NOT allowed in the designated swimming areas. However, if you venture along the lakeshore to the NE, you’ll find a rocky shore and a dog-friendlier area. Your furry friend will find a bit more freedom and relaxed rules both in the water and out in this area.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
If you’re with younger children (toddler/preschool age), the best time to visit in mornings and early afternoons while the older kids are in school. It’s laid back and peaceful during these times, even on sunny days. Once school is out or a weekend rolls around, the park can get crazy busy and little ones may be intimidated.
This park hosts many family friendly events during the summer. Enjoy festivities, music and fireworks at the 4th of July Splash. Or visit the park Thursdays (beginning July 11) for Kent Summer Concerts.
One section of the dock is reserved for fishing. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout early in the season, and also has populations of Kokanee, Largemount Bass, Yellow Perch, and Brown Bullhead. You can find more information on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Boat launch access is off of 152nd and there is a launch fee (currently $5.00). The lake is one of the four lakes in King County that allows motorized boats. It is patrolled by the Kent Police Dept, so DO abide by all water rules and regulations.
Picnic shelters can be reserved through the City of Kent.
South Sound Park Bench 
We love this park! It is great for new walkers because of the ramps leading up to the play structure. It is also a good one for bikes and scooters. My oldest learned to ride his trike at this park while the play ground was under construction.