Sunset Park (Auburn)

Sunset Park
1306 69^th St SE
Auburn WA, 98092

Dedicated in 2003, this park is named for its beautiful views. Sunset Park encompasses many activity areas on its 15 acres, including: play structure, picnic shelter, softball fields, basketball court, skate park, meadows, trails and ample parking.  The layout is well designed and does not feel crowded.

WHY WE LOVE THIS PARK:
Even though it’s a bit of a drive for us to visit a park this size, it can keep us busy for  a few hours.  The kids enjoy all the various obstacles to climb; in addition to typical ladders on the play structure, there’s also a mock boulder and a couple of rock climbing walls.  There are two standard swings and two baby swings and a couple of balance challenges.  Overall, the play area is pretty compact, so easy to keep an eye on multiple children.  (Unless they hide in the “volcano”, a 7-foot, hollow rock climbing cone.)

There’s a paved path that circles the ball fields and meadow, great for strollers, bikes, trikes, wagons, scooters and skates.  But if the kids need something more exciting than a flat trail, bring them over the skate park to try the hills and ramps.

Pack a picnic and enjoy the sunshine and views from the hilltop meadow.  If you bring a camera better than the one on my iPhone, you’ll be sure to grab beautiful images of Mt. Rainier looming in the distance.  Or, use the hill to your advantage and, if the kids cooperate, get some great photos of the kids against a fun sky background.

DRAWBACKS:
My GPS took me to wrong location, so we got a little turned around – so take a peek at your map first and make sure you’re heading in the right location.

The playground is built for 5-12 year olds, so toddlers and beginner walkers may have some difficulty navigating the structure on their own.

RESTROOMS:
Located near the ballfields, these restrooms were surprisingly bright and clean.  Toilets and sinks are all automatic, however there are no soap dispensers or changing tables.

DOG OWNERS:
Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets are welcome at all Auburn Parks, but NOT on the sports fields.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Do not miss Summer Sounds and Cinema!   Enjoy free musical entertainment followed by a family friendly movie on an outdoor screen.  You’ll find lots of fun, free activities for kids of all ages and concessions are available for a nominal fee.  This year (2013), Sunset Park will be showing Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax on Friday, August 2.  Click here for more information.

Picnic shelters can be reserved by contacting Auburn Parks and Recreation.

Covington Community Park (Covington)

Covington Community Park
17649 SE 240th Street
Covington, WA 98042

Covington Community Park has been in the works for nearly a decade.  Finally, Phase 1 was introduced to the public on June 8, 2013!  It still has a lot of work planned, but after a walk around the property you can see the potential.  I am so excited to continue to watch this park grow and NEED to get on the ball about finding out how I can be a more active part of making that happen.

WHY WE LOVE THIS PARK:
The newly built paths through the forest, wetlands and meadows are beautiful.  I could not believe the number of bird songs that serenaded our walk.

It is also the first soccer field in Covington!  The field is currently closed but will be open for youth soccer in the fall.  For more community sports information, check out Covington Community Sports.

DRAWBACKS:
Though Phase 1 is complete, there is still a lot more to come.  The major drawback is that we’ll just have to wait.  A lot of the planned improvements are dependent on state funding.  I’ll keep my hopes up, but won’t hold my breath waiting on the government.

RESTROOMS:
I completely forgot to check out the restroom situation when I was there.  Before the grand opening but after the land was made public, there were outhouses on site.  But I’m unsure if they’ve been upgraded to a more permanent structure.  I will update after our next visit.

DOG OWNERS:
As with all Covington Parks, leashed dogs are allowed on the property but NOT on the sports fields.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
If you don’t have reason to be here for a soccer game, come check it out for a nice stroll and nature viewing.  There are several paths that wind through the 29.9 acre property, some paved, some gravel, some natural ground cover.

As I find out more information about coming amenities and ways for the community to be involved, I will update this posting.

Planned improvements include:

• Play area (2-5 age group & 5-12 age groups)
• Picnic tables
• Picnic shelters Benches
• Basketball and tennis courts
• Baseball and soccer fields
• Paved and soft surface trails
• Boardwalk
• Outdoor stage
• Terrace with water feature
• Restroom / concessions
• Interpretive areas
• Teen activities area
• Open lawn
• Wetlands
• Automatic irrigation system
• Additional parking lot

Ravensdale Park (Ravensdale)

Ravensdale Park
SE Kent Kangley Rd and 272nd Ave S
Ravensdale, WA 98051

Just two miles east of Maple Valley’s Four Corners, Ravensdale park is going to be one to watch.  They are currently upgrading the full park site to accommodate the growing population.  A new lighted soccer and baseball field have already been completed.  Two additional baseball fields, a concession stand, picnic areas, a new play structure, and perimeter trails are in the works.

The project is spearheaded by two local 501(c)3 groups, Rock Creek Sports and Maple Valley Soccer, in coordination with King County Parks.

As new projects are completed, I will update this posting as needed.

WHY WE LOVE THIS PARK:
It’s quiet and calm.  This park has a really laid-back feel to it.  Picnic tables are scattered throughout the thin forestry areas and daisies bloom all over the small grassy meadows.  The play structure is just a tad smaller than the other parks we’ve visited thus far, but still big enough to keep the kids well entertained.  A few slides, a steering wheel, a couple different ladders and it’s a success for toddlers and grade-school kids alike.

Exploring the footpaths in the small wooded area between the play area and the ballfields is a favorite with the boys.  And the yummy wild red huckleberries growing in the summer season are a favorite of mine.

A covered picnic area and public grill is on site and can be reserved for private use.

You’ll also find a couple of horseshoe pits.  So grab a set and teach the kids what it means when you say “close only counts in horseshoes (and hand grenades).”

I expect this park to become more and more popular as the improvement plans continue.

DRAWBACKS:
Sorry, there are no swings here.

Coming soon, there may be construction and remodeling which may take away from the peaceful setting. . . but until then, it’s a small, but a reliable favorite.

RESTROOMS:
The current restrooms are average for public park facilities.  They have automatic flush and air hand dryers, but there is no changing table in these restrooms.

DOG OWNERS:
All King County Parks are dog-on-leash friendly.  There are doggie waste bags and disposal available on site.  While it is policy to keep your dog leashed, I have seen dog owners take their pets to the neighboring field near and throw frisbees and sticks.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
I don’t know what it is about this park, but it is the friendliest park in the area.  Every time we visit this park, the parents and children are open and conversational.  Sometimes at small parks, you get that awkward silence when you acknowledge another parent with a small wave or a nod and the kids will play ‘around’ each other rather than with each other — but I have NEVER had that happen here.  The friendliness has never been overbearing or unwelcomed; it’s just a comfortable place to be.

For picnic shelter use and fee information for all King County Parks, click here.

Morrill Meadows Park (Kent)

Morrill Meadows Park
10600 SE 248th Street
Kent, WA 98030

Morrill Meadows Park in Kent’s East Hill is — honestly — a bit awkward, but still enjoyable.  Both my boys learned to climb a ladder here; they ran out of other choices.

WHY WE LOVE THIS PARK:
The setting is beautiful.  It’s just off of 248th, but the trees along the road make it feel more distant and less ‘on display’.  The trees also provide shade on hot days, but there’s plenty of open, sunny grass to picnic in, too.

There’s a sprawling meadow to the east encompassed by a 1/4 mile walking trail.  The trail branches off on the north side and does another 1/4 mile loop through the woods.  My favorite part of the trail is the art installation, “In the Grove”: a set of rock spheres varying in size, perfect for photo sessions if you can get your kids to cooperate.

A large sheltered picnic area, complete with public grills, is nestled between the parking area and the play structure.

Feel free to bring some digging toys, there’s a rocky sandbox here, too.

And there’s a big play structure, but that’s where it gets a little awkward.

DRAWBACKS:
There are ten — yes 10! — different ladder designs to climb up and onto the play structure.  Plus one set of stairs.  And there is one — yes, only 1 — slide down.  (And there’s a fire pole, too.)  This play structure is definitely for the sure-footed 5-12 year old range.  Tired of using the stairs, both my kids eventually tried a ladder (of the short 3-rung variety) and made it.  With assistance the first few times and eventually, proudly, independently.  If you have a reluctant climber, it’s a good place to let them try it out.

With bigger kids hogging the slide, Apollo found this tube the most entertaining part of the structure.  (Check out that gatorade mustache he’s rocking!)

Lastly, and his one may be a deal-breaker for some: there are NO swings at this park.

RESTROOMS:
The restrooms are a notch above average.  Near the play area and picnic shelter, they are clean, well-maintained and have automatic flushers.  There’s also a changing table in the Women’s restrooms.  (One day I’ll have to drag my hubby along and have him check out the Men’s situation.)

DOG OWNERS:
Morrill Meadows Park is dog-on-leash friendly with doggie waste bags and disposal available on site.   But dog owner’s will be happy to know that right next door lies 3.5 acres of doggie-fun.  Morrill Meadows Off-Leash Dog Park was opened in the fall of 2010 thanks to many hardworking volunteers.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 
As much as I love the wooded trail loop be aware that it’s also popular with smokers (of both cigarettes and marijuana).  On our last visit we spotted a transient enter the trail before just before us.  With many unofficial footpaths off-shooting from the maintained trail, it’s safe to assume there are some hidden areas that would be questionable and less than “family-friendly”.  I personally do not feel the trail itself is unsafe.  It’s a well populated area, I run into other walkers, joggers and runners every time.  But I do feel some caution is better than none and I wouldn’t allow my kids to wander it unsupervised.

The picnic shelter and fields can be rented out for private use.  Click here for use and fee information.