Fort Borst Park

8502517126_51e3a51db8_oBorst Park in Centralia was really chilly when I went there on Friday. It is a pleasing park with a small trout lake, a dog park, a picnic area, sports fields, a 1889 fort building and a children’s play area. Wikipedia says “After the Indian Wars, Joseph bought the blockhouse from the government for $500 and used it as a granary. Originally the blockhouse was located on the Chehalis River just beyond the mouth of the Skookumchuck River in front of the Borst House. In 1919 it was moved to Riverside Park and in 1922, to the present site in Fort Borst Park.”

8511129003_e1bcfca807_z 8511133813_2c67d2d497_zI was going to walk the trail around the lake, but it was closed part way around for construction. It was kind of cool that there was a large group sword fighting (in a safe way!).

 

Tacoma Nature Center

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/

Wards Lake Park in Lakewood

The city of Lakewood has 10 parks and one game refuge and today I stopped at  Wards Lake Park at 2716 84th St South. I found it by following small sign off of S. 84th Street. This 20-acre park is a little oasis in a relatively built up part of town. It includes Wards Lake, a fishing pier, playground, picnic shelter and trail system. The lake doesn’t look conducive to swimming, but it is great for fishing and is very pretty. There is a short trail that leads back to some picnic tables and benches. And for the younger set there is a nice play area. I saw children playing on the big toys, an older guy fishing and a young couple getting to know each other.