Bellevue, Washington, located in the Seattle metropolitan area, is a city that prides itself on its abundant green spaces and recreational opportunities. With over 100 parks and open spaces, Bellevue is a city in a park. From beach parks to ball fields, and from forested wilderness with hiking trails galore to manicured meadows, Bellevue has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best parks in Bellevue, Washington, and what makes them stand out.

One of the top parks in Bellevue is Downtown Park. Located in the heart of the city, this 21-acre park features a beautiful canal, a reflecting pond, and a stunning waterfall. The park is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of benches and tables to relax and enjoy the scenery. Downtown Park is also a popular spot for outdoor concerts and events, with a large grassy area that can accommodate thousands of people.

Another popular park in Bellevue is Kelsey Creek Farm Park. This 150-acre park offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rural past with its working farm, barns, and pastures. Visitors can see cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens, and even feed the animals. The park also has a playground, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Kelsey Creek Farm Park is a great place to take the family for a fun and educational day out in nature.

Bellevue Downtown Park

Bellevue Downtown Park is a 21-acre public park located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington. The park is a serene oasis of greenery and natural beauty in the bustling city. It features a large and mesmerizing reflecting pond, a delightful waterfall, a charming canal, and a number of walking paths.

Events and Activities

The Bellevue Downtown Park hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. The park is a popular spot for outdoor concerts, festivals, and community gatherings. Some of the most popular events at the park include the annual Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair, the Bellevue Jazz Festival, and the Bellevue Farmers Market. The park is also a great place to enjoy a picnic, play frisbee, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Facilities and Amenities

The park is equipped with a number of facilities and amenities to make visitors’ experiences as enjoyable as possible. The park has restrooms, drinking fountains, and plenty of benches and picnic tables for visitors to use. There is also a large playground area for children to play on. The park is wheelchair accessible and has paved walking paths for easy navigation.

Bellevue Downtown Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and picturesque outdoor experience in Bellevue.

Crossroads Park

Located above the Crossroads Shopping Center, Crossroads Park is one of the most popular parks in Bellevue. This 34+ acre park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

Recreational Opportunities

Crossroads Park has something for everyone. The park features several tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skate bowl for those looking for an active day out. Visitors can also enjoy a game of horseshoes or take a leisurely jog on the park’s jogging paths. Families with children will appreciate the play areas and picnic shelters available for a fun-filled day out.

Park Features

In addition to its recreational opportunities, Crossroads Park also boasts several features that make it a unique destination. The park features restrooms for visitors’ convenience, as well as a large open space perfect for a game of frisbee or soccer. The park’s location above the Crossroads Shopping Center provides visitors with easy access to a variety of dining and shopping options.

Overall, Crossroads Park is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun day out in Bellevue. With its wide array of recreational opportunities and unique features, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience at this popular park.

Wilburton Hill Park

Wilburton Hill Park is a 120-acre park located in Bellevue, Washington. This park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

Nature Trails

Wilburton Hill Park has several nature trails that wind through the forested hills of the park. These trails are perfect for hiking, jogging, or walking your dog. The trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the park while getting some exercise.

Sporting Areas

Wilburton Hill Park has several sporting areas for visitors to enjoy. There are two tennis courts, a basketball court, and a soccer field. The tennis courts and basketball court are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the soccer field can be reserved for games or practices.

In addition to these sporting areas, Wilburton Hill Park also has a playground for children. The playground is located near the picnic area, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a day out in the park.

Overall, Wilburton Hill Park is a great place to visit for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in Bellevue. With its nature trails, sporting areas, and playground, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Kelsey Creek Park

Kelsey Creek Park is a 150-acre park and farm located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington. The park features wetlands, forest, and meadows, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting.

Wildlife Spotting

Kelsey Creek Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. Visitors can also spot rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals. The park is a great place for birdwatching, with over 150 species of birds that have been spotted in the area.

Picnic Areas

Kelsey Creek Park offers several picnic areas, making it a great place for a family outing or a group gathering. The park has picnic tables, benches, and grills available for use. Visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views of the park.

In addition to wildlife spotting and picnicking, Kelsey Creek Park also offers several recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and playgrounds for children. The park is open year-round and is a great destination for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Meydenbauer Bay Park

Meydenbauer Bay Park is a hidden gem located near downtown Bellevue on the shores of Meydenbauer Bay on Lake Washington. The park is tucked away in a ravine-like setting and offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Water Activities

One of the main attractions of Meydenbauer Bay Park is the opportunity to enjoy various water activities. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from REI and paddle around the bay. The park also has a PPV launch, which is perfect for those who want to bring their own boats.

Scenic Views

Meydenbauer Bay Park offers stunning views of Lake Washington and the Cascades. The park features a winding trail that leads to both an outdoor amphitheater and a viewing terrace. Visitors can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.

The park also includes a hillside woodland, outdoor classroom, play area, beach house, whaling building update, pedestrian pier, shoreline restoration, and daylighted channel. Meydenbauer Bay Park is a great place to spend a day with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors and the scenic views.

In summary, Meydenbauer Bay Park is a beautiful park that offers visitors a peaceful escape from the city, with opportunities for water activities and breathtaking views of Lake Washington and the Cascades.

Conclusion

Bellevue, Washington is a city that takes great pride in its parks and outdoor spaces. With over 2,700 acres of parks and open space, there’s no shortage of greenery to enjoy. From the bustling Downtown Park to the serene Mercer Slough Nature Park, there’s a park for everyone in Bellevue.

Visitors to Bellevue will find that the city’s parks offer a wide range of activities, from hiking and biking to picnicking and birdwatching. The parks are also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, black bears, and cougars. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when hiking in parks that are home to large predators.

Overall, Bellevue’s parks are a great place to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or an exciting adventure, there’s a park in Bellevue that’s perfect for you. So pack a picnic, grab your hiking boots, and head out to explore the beautiful parks of Bellevue, Washington.