Aparkolypse: Tall Tree Park

Down a short, wooded trail from Conifer View Park, or around a few corners for those of you driving, is Tall Tree Park. We'll let you evaluate how creatively named this park is.

Potential Google Map Weirdness

Up until last year, the park was listed on Bothell's website as "Conifer View IV Park" and that's reflected on Google Maps. Apparently the sign has always said Tall Tree Park. The address 19630 89th Pl NE, Bothell, WA 98011 is correct. I've submitted an edit to Google Maps.

Amenities/Facilities

You can park in the cul-de-sac, which we're sure the neighbors love. We walked over from Conifer View Park along a short half-paved/half dirt trail. We happened to be there during blackberry season and had a nice snack.

You won't find much in the way of infrastructure here. There are a table or two, a smaller grassy area, and some narrow trails going off into the woods we didn't really explore because of time constraints.

Play

The playground takes up a good chunk of the park. We and our friends found plenty to climb, wing, slide, and spin on.

Review

Mainly a destination for neighborhood locals and weirdos who blog about parks, Tall Tree Park is another beautiful Bothell park, hidden away from traffic noise and commercial distractions.

Aparkolypse: Conifer View Park

Not too far from Bothell High School, a cute little park with a big field is hidden from view. Accessible down a paved path after parking on the street, Conifer View Park is connected to Tall Tree Park (we'll get to that) to form a compact duo of parks good for sports, picnicking, and play.

Amenities/Facilities

Conifer View has a big, flat, and nice grassy field.

There is a solitary table (with a grill box!) and a solitary bench. We were unimpressed with the basketball/tennis/volleyball court combination, though it's a lot better than not having it.

Play

They toy area is small but nice.

Review

Conifer View Park is another impressive entry on the Bothell park resume. It'd be nice to have a bathroom or water fountain. Come along with us down the trail and through the woods to Tall Tree Park.

Aparkolypse: Kiwanis Park

In the battle of Everett parks sponsored by prominent community service groups Kiwanis Park is no Lions Park. Nevertheless, we're impressed with a solid gathering spot built on a small lot between Colby Avenue and Broadway, a few blocks from Everett Memorial Stadium.

Amenities/Facilities

The park is right on the northwest corner of 36th St and Rockefeller Ave, so the play area is just several feet from the road. Parking is on the side of the street, and there is a decent amount in the area. We appreciated the presence of the water fountain on a warm summer day. There is a small grassy area and a handful of benches; it's very much a small neighborhood park. We were impressed with the park's ability to have an above average basketball hoop area (for a park) with suitably tall fencing around the area to keep balls from rolling off into oblivion.

We definitely felt more secure knowing we were being watched.

Play

Kiwanis Park makes great use of its limited space, and the playground is the best example. The toys were in good condition and there was a nice variety of possibly activities, including swings, in a pretty small area.

Review

It might not be a big destination park, but Kiwanis Park is an impressive display of maximizing the utility of outdoor space. We recommend it if you're in the area.