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.