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.

Service Club Community Park & Ballfields (Kent)

Service Club Community Park & Ballfields
 14608 SE 288th Street
Kent, WA 98042

Nicknamed the “The Park with the Green Slides” in our house, Service Club Park is one of our favorites.  It’s close to home and has a little something for everyone.

Opened to the public in 2006, it was Kent’s first sports complex.  It has four lighted ballfields, ample parking and spectator seats, and even a seasonal concession stand.

But we (currently) go for the play area.

WHY WE LOVE THIS PARK:
It has swings: two standard, two baby swings.
It has a merry-go-round: as much as it stresses me out and I picture kids flying off the thing, they love it.
It has a rock climbing wall.
It has those rocking toys on springs and one is a car!
It has a slides: a fast one, a twisty one, and a smaller one for the cautious.
It has a separate toddler play structure.  A truly rare find!
It has a musical-thingy.  There’s pipes and heavy balls on springs and it doesn’t sound half-bad.
It has grassy areas for picnics.
It has a sidewalk area for bikes and skates.
It has a fenced off wetlands for nature viewing.

And it’s all nicely consolidated at the front of the fields.  Yet doesn’t feel crowded — Well, except on a game day.  Consolidated means I don’t have to chase two kids in two different directions.  I can easily keep my eye on both of them from any corner or while playing hide-and-seek, transformers, follow the leader, or any other game the boys come up with.

The park is well kept.  Groomed and gardened and you’ll find little to no litter.

DRAWBACKS:
As much as I love this park, it’s not perfect — but pretty close.  There is very little shade.  On a nice hot day, you’ll see families huddled under the puny little saplings that produce about three square feet of splotchy shade each.  There is a sheltered picnic area with tables and public grills, but it can fill up fast.

Game days can get a bit crazy and crowded.  My experience has been that the older kids are pretty respectful of smaller children playing on and around the play structure.  But it makes it a bit more difficult to keep an eye on your own if you’re not following on their heel.

RESTROOMS
The restrooms are in the middle of the sports complex– you walk through the length of a ballfield to get there.  It’s really not too far. . . unless you’re carrying a screaming child who REALLY has to go.  It also makes a quick wash before or after a picnic a special outing all on its own.  In the off-season, the field complex is closed and a portable potty is placed near the playground.  I usually make sure my kids have used the facilities at home and I bring wipes or hand sanitizer for quick clean-ups.  But when the complex is open, they restrooms are pretty typical of public restrooms: cleaned regularly, have running water and are equipped with a changing table (at least in the Women’s).  There are also drinking fountains on site.  One near the play area and one by the restrooms in the sports complex.

DOG OWNERS
Almost all Kent Parks are dog-on-leash friendly and this park is no exception.  Doggie waste and disposal are available on site.

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