Spring has sprung and the weather is starting to heat up.
That only means one thing: It’s time to get outside and be active.
From petting farm animals to catching air on your skateboard, Redmond offers plenty of outdoor endeavors.
One of the great aspects of Redmond is its blend of urban living with a farmhouse feel. If you haven’t already, check out the wide variety of diverse, enchanting parks in Redmond.
Here are five can’t-miss parks/outdoor venues to check out this spring and summer.
1 Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway NE: Operated by King County, this park stretches more than 600 acres and has a little something for everyone. The park includes the only velodrome in the state; an off-leash dog area; a climbing rock; an airplane flying field; picnicking and fishing areas; paths for strolling; playing fields and tennis courts; great bird watching; and the historic Willowmoor Farm.
The Marymoor Velodrome Association hosts bicycle racing at the site and offers free racing classes for kids. The 45-foot climbing rock, located next to the velodrome, is a good workout for people of ages. Three picnic shelters are available for rent, and picnic tables are located throughout the park. The Marymoor Amphitheater books summertime concerts. Although most of the artists appeal to adults, the setting is kid-friendly and easy to navigate with children.
2 Farrel-McWhirter Park, 19545 Redmond Road: Believe it or not, this could be one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It’s a huge park with tons of amenities, but many residents have never been there. The 68-acre park features a horse arena with trailer parking, a children’s animal farm, covered picnic shelters with electricity, multi-use trails, an orienteering course, tire swings and a nature trail.
3 Idylwood Park, 3650 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway NE: When the weather heats up, this is by far one of Redmond’s most popular places because of the beach along Lake Sammamish. Kids can cool off in the water while parents can catch a cool breeze in the shade of one of the many large, old-growth trees at the 18-acre park. It’s a great spot of picnics and also features a bathhouse, plenty of parking, a fun-filled playground and a car top boat launch. If it’s hot out, this is the place to be in Redmond.
4 Anderson Park, 7802 168 Avenue NE: A quaint, little park in downtown Redmond, the 2.8-acre park is the first and oldest park in the city. There are two historic, rentable cabins, a covered picnic shelter, picnic tables, children’s play area, bicycle racks, brick plaza with outdoor stage and restrooms. It’s a great spot to get away from the stress of life, relax and enjoy the weather. It has a large play area, so it’s also great place to take the kids and let them blow off some steam.
5 Edge Skate Park, 8420 161st Avenue NE: Get your roll — and grind — on at this high-flying park. The 1.4-acre park is a skateboarder’s dream come true. Located right next to a Metro Park & Ride, the park features two large quarter pipes — one on each side with a pyramid in the center. In addition there is one set of steps, one rail, a rail wall and several places and edges to grind. It’s a skate-at-your-own-risk park and also welcomes rollerbladers.
Of course these are just a few of the many parks and play areas Redmond has to offer, but they are some of my personal favorites. Take the time to find out what your neighborhood has to offer.
Be active and take advantage of the area parks — it’s one of the many fine aspects of Redmond.
Bill Christianson is the editor of the Redmond Reporter and can be reached at bchristianson@redmond-reporter.com or at (425) 867-0353, ext. 5050.
