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.
South Sound Park Bench 