Category Archives: Parks

Tacoma Nature Center

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The Tacoma Nature Center at 1919 South Tyler was a hopping place this lovely summer day. There was a guy taking photos, a jogger, a couple taking a stroll, an entire group at summer camp and me. The weather was perfect as I walked the mile loop around the 17 mile Snake Lake and its associated wetland. It’s been a while since my last visit and I noticed some updates to the 71 acre nature preserve. The bridges looked better then I remembered and there is now a Discovery Pond play area for the kids (oh, and there were some moms with kids there, almost forgot them!)

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/tacomanaturecenter/

Diamond Jubilee in St. Jame’s Park

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The Queen is having her Diamond Jubilee this year, marking 60 years on the throne. To honor the occasion, this topiary was created to replicate in flowers the queen’s crown during her coronation. There is a nice write up of it here http://www.jannaludlow.co.uk/My_Brush_With/Jubilee_2012.html

Charlotte’s Blueberry Park

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Charlotte’s Blueberry Park at 7402 ‘D’ Street is a 20 acre public park with well over 3,000 blueberry bushes. I’ve never seen so many. There are five variety of bushes and all of them were full of unripened berries. I am sure to be back come July when hopefully they are ripe. The public is welcome to pick the berries, which have no pesticides on them.

The property has been farmed since 1952 and was purchased in 1968 by the Tacoma School District in 1968 for a new high school. The neighborhood opposed the proposed high school and in 1994 traded 23 acres of the property to Metro Parks in exchange for the acreage that became Manitou Elementary School. Over the past few years Metro Parks with the help of volunteers has planted thousands of bushes, installed a paved trail, picnic tables and signage.

The park was named for long-time Blueberry Park advocate and founder of Friends of Blueberry Park, Charlotte Valbert.

The website for the park is here http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/charlottes-blueberry-park/

 

Snohomish River Trail

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Dear husband loves exploring antique stores and I’d just assume wander around outside. So when we went to downtown Snohomish, he went off to look at old things and I walked some of the Snohomish River Trail. I started near the bridge and the entrance to town and walked a ways. What made me stop in my tracks was the line in the concrete wall that showed the flood line from 1995. 350′ of river bank collapsed during the flood. After that disaster, the city built the trail which at least on a beautiful Sunday was getting a lot of use.

Mukilteo Lighthouse Park

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So a while back I won a nights stay at the Silver Cloud Hotel in Mukilteo. We went this weekend and while I my dear husband napped, I slipped out to explore the near by Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. It was a glorious evening, unseasonably warm and the high school students were enjoying the breeze in their prom finery. There were couples in love and families roasting marshmallows in the fire pits. And the Mukilteo Ferries traveled to and fro.

Kunsan, Korea Monument

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There are many lovely things to see along Ruston Way including this monument from one of Tacoma’s sister cities.    It is called the Kunsan, Korea Monument and it is located at 3771 Ruston Way, Marine Park, Ruston Way. This granite monument states “In commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the great state of Washington, the citizenry of Kusan City herein inscribes its friendship”.


Kelso Gillenwater Plaza

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In front of the University of Washington Tacoma Library is the Kelso Gillenwater Plaza, a small, square plot of land with a lovely, blooming magnolia tree, some other landscaping and a memorial plaque (see below).

The Plaza is listed on the UW-T’s walking tour, which can be found here http://www.tacoma.washington.edu/shopuwt/docs/walking_tour.pdf

China Lake Park

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I’ve always been a little nervous about visiting China Lake at 1811 S Shirley St. Though I can’t point to any particular warning, it seems like I heard of unpleasant happenings. It is really a lovely park and feels just like being in a forest (except for the SR-16 noise). The lake is nice and had various ducks. It did feel a little lonely though and next time I think I’ll take a friend.

I did find this interesting article that is well worth a visit. http://www.tacomaweekly.com/news/view/tunnels-tunnels-everywhere…-sort-of/

The park district’s site plan is here http://www.discoverparks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ParkDetails&PropertyID=87

 

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

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On our way home from Long Beach, we visited the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge at 3888 State Route 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624.  It was really a treat! There is a small display room in the ranger’s work area and of course a delightful ranger. There is a short, level boardwalk area with plenty of interesting art. The boardwalk goes next to a pond, which was full of newts! For the more ambitious walkers, there is a trail that is relatively steep and has nature facts along the way. It is a lovely and challenging walk and at the end is a meditative labyrinth. 

Their website is here http://www.fws.gov/willapa/