In large cities and small towns alike, city parks offer some of what our souls need: a place to gather, connect, relax, and enjoy. If you could use a breath of fresh air, here are 10 amazing parks to celebrate and consider visiting. And don’t forget to visit your local park - pack a picnic, find some green space nearby and show some #ParkAppreciation!
Marymoor Park, Redmond, Washington
A 640-acre park on the north side of Lake Sammamish that hosts a wide variety of activities. Fondly known to locals as “Doggy Disneyland”, Marymoor Park has a 40-acre off-leash area where dogs have the freedom to run and play and enjoy that natural grass under their paws. Pet friendly parks are a great way to bond with our furry friends.
Ann Morrison Park, Boise, Idaho
The Greenbelt, known as the “Ribbon of Jewels”, is a scenic path along the Boise river that connects a dozen parks dedicated to honoring some extraordinary women of Boise. One of these jewels is Ann Morrison Park. These lovely 153 acres are a stone’s throw from the heart of downtown and might inspire you to ponder what impact you can have that a park would be named after you.
Washington Park, Portland, Oregon
In this 410-acre park you will find an arboretum, Japanese garden, World Forestry Center, Oregon Zoo, International Rose Test Garden, memorials, fountains, and 15+ miles of trails and beautiful natural green space. Because of its many activities to enjoy, Washington Park boasts to be “One park. A community of destinations”.
Washoe Park, Anaconda, Montana
Located in a historic mining town, not far from the famous greens of the Old Works Golf Course, is a gem of a park. This pleasant green space is filled with the sounds of the creek and is shaded by giants (trees) and many gather in that shade to play corn hole, horseshoes, or to picnic and barbecue. Washoe is popular for family and class reunions - if only the giants could tell of the stories they’ve heard.
Lindenwood Park, Fargo, North Dakota
In a state known for cattle and wheat and folks who truly can’t be beat is Lindenwood park. It’s Fargo’s largest park and is beautifully landscaped complete with a tranquil memorial fountain. Bike rentals, campgrounds, picnic shelters, and playgrounds provide enjoyment that will cause these green spaces to produce smiling faces.
Cherokee Regional Park, St. Paul, Minnesota
This natural green space was envisioned to be a place of recreation since the early 1900s when it was gifted to the people of St. Paul by railroad director James Hill. Today it remains St. Paul’s most popular park to visit and it showcases incredible views of the Mississippi River. For well over a century Cherokee Park has been enjoyed by many. Talk about a gift that lasts!
Lake Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A 138-acre park with bridges, a lighthouse, a waterfall ravine, golf course, bowling greens, multipurpose field and track, summer stage, and more. Designed by the same landscape architect who designed Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted, there’s something especially wonderful about this green space that sits above the waters of Lake Michigan.
Centennial Park, Holland, Michigan
When planned parks were a new idea, the city of Holland was one of the first cities in Michigan to support a park plan. In the late 1800s, these seven acres were established as Centennial Park and are now a vibrant part of the local historic district. This green space is celebrated as an essential part of the local culture and as a sanctuary for all.
Scioto Mile, Columbus, Ohio
Along the Scioto River, in the home of THE Ohio State University, the Scioto Mile connects downtown Columbus to more than 175 acres of green space. This was a project that many invested in to help return natural green spaces to downtown Columbus and was completed in 2011. Now, in Columbus, the much loved city life can include some much needed natural life.
Central Park, New York City
In the largest city in the U.S., you’ll find one of the world’s most famous green spaces, Central Park. A beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, with 843 acres of iconic and historic scenery, Central Park feels like another world in the midst of the hustle and bustle of New York City. Even in the middle of the busiest places, we crave the rejuvenation of green spaces.
Sources:
“Marymoor Park”, King County Parks & Recreation website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/parks-and-natural-lands/popular-parks/marymoor.aspx)
“Ann Morrison Park”, City of Boise Parks & Recreation website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/ann-morrison-park/)
“Washington Park”, Explore Washington Park website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://explorewashingtonpark.org/)
“Lindenwood Park”, Fargo Park District website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://www.fargoparks.com/parks-and-facilities/lindenwood-park)
Eileen R. McCormck, “Cherokee Park: James J HIll’s gift to Saint Paul”, website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://eileenmccormack.com/2016/08/01/cherokee-park-james-j-hills-gift-to-saint-paul/)
“Lake Park Friends”, Lake Park Friends website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://lakeparkfrienCherokee Park: James J. Hill’s gift to Saint Paul | Eileen R. McCormackds.org/)
“Centennial Park”, City of Holland website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://www.cityofholland.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Centennial-Park-6)
“Columbus’ Downtown Destination”, Columbus Recreation and Parks Scioto Mile website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://www.sciotomile.com/)
“Central Park Conservancy”, Central Park Conservancy website accessed May 10, 2023 (https://www.centralparknyc.org)
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