Forest Park
There is something for everyone at Forest Park in Everett. Whether you are looking for a place to take the kids for a picnic, or you are interested in exploring the trails and getting some fresh air, this place has something for you. A great post ahead.
History
In the early 1900s, Forest Park in Everett WA was a quaint picnic area for residents of the city. Originally, the park included a field of buffalo and a zoo. The park was also used for hunting and fishing. Eventually, it became one of the oldest city parks in Everett.
In the 1930s, a project was undertaken to improve the landscaping of Forest Park. The park was then planted with English style landscaping, including English holly and broadleaf trees.
The project was part of the Works Progress Administration, a series of nationwide projects that were implemented by the federal government under the New Deal. Over 8.5 million workers were hired to work for the WPA.
Picnic areas
Everett is home to a number of parks, many of which provide residents with something other than air conditioning. These parks have a lot to offer in the way of outdoor recreation, from a splash park to an actual zoo. While there are many different parks in the area, a few stand out.
The best park in the city is Forest Park. While it may not seem like it from the outside, this 197 acre swath of land is actually quite large, and it features the city’s best swimming pool, among other amenities. Originally, it was part of an animal farm that also housed elephants and lions, but that is all but gone now. A great place to also visit is Willis D Tucker Community Park.
Shelters
Located a stone’s throw from downtown Everett’s city center, Forest Park is a nice place to unwind. Amongst the 197 acres, you’ll find a plethora of things to do, see and be seen at. The park’s many trails and amenities make for a fun outing for all ages. One of the more notable features is the Forest Park Animal Farm, which is home to numerous types of animals including a peacock and an assortment of other species. Having said that, Forest Park is also home to many homeless encampments, most of which are well tended. A recent study showed that more than a quarter of all men and women in Everett are living without a roof over their heads. For this reason, a number of non-profits have sprung up to help.
Indoor swimming pool
The indoor swimming pool at Forest Park is the best place to play if you are a kid at heart in the Everett Washington area. In fact, the park has been named the best family oriented park in the country by the editors of The Seattle Times. With more than 197 acres of land to explore and play on, this is one of the largest parks in the Puget Sound region. Luckily, the aquatic amenities are not too far from the action. The Park has a plethora of amenities that are aimed at all ages. The parks perks include an onsite hotel, an on-site restaurant and cafe, an indoor children’s play area, and more. The best part is, the staff is friendly, the facilities clean, and the rates are not too shabby.
Trails
Forest Park Everett Washington is a 197 acre natural area with trails. It offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, swimming, biking and orienteering. Located south of Mukilteo Boulevard, the park is easy to access.
Visitors can start a trail from the main road or one of the park’s entrances. The trail system is a mixture of soft wooded trails, boot path and aged service road. It is ADA accessible. It also has bike paths and a motorized mobility device access.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Granite Falls Trail leads you up to a gorge and giant stone monolith. It is the perfect destination for a family outing. It offers scenic views of the Cascade foothills and a lime kiln.
GreatSchools rating
It’s no secret that Everett, WA is a hotbed of education innovation, and the city boasts more than its fair share of excellent schools. However, the competition is a stiff one. The Forest Park Adventist Christian School is one of the many quality educational options in the area. The school has a student body of more than 800, and offers grades preK through eight. The school’s main campus is located at 4120 Federal Avenue. Fortunately for prospective students, the surrounding neighborhood isn’t all that crowded. The best part is that the school’s location enables students to attend a myriad of activities, from sports to the arts. Next blog post.
Driving directions from Sky Power Wash to Forest Park
Driving directions from Forest Park to Imagine Children’s Museum