When you need some fresh air, there are many parks in Bellevue for you to take a leisurely stroll through. The great outdoors is never far when you’re a guest at theLarkspur Landing Extended Stay Suites Bellevue.
Ardmore Trails (1 mile)
Tel: 425.455.6881Towering hemlocks and Douglas fir trees, moss-covered maples draped with licorice fern and a carpet of sword fern evoke a forest primeval feeling to this park. The 28 acres of forest provide a pleasant experience. Hikers will find this site ideal for bird watching, plant identification, and nature study.
Kelsey Creek Park & Nature Trails (1.5 miles)
No matter what time of year, a walk along the Kelsey Creek Park Nature Trail is truly a sensorial forest experience. In the summer, the sounds of songbirds mix with the babbling of Kelsey Creek, creating a relaxing background rhythm. In the spring, whiffs of skunk cabbage mingle with the sweet smell of maple trees in bloom. In the fall, varied species of deciduous trees create a mosaic of color as leaves change. Winter brings a quieter, sleepier feel, a great place to hike on a sunny winter’s day.
To Reach the Trailhead: Nature Trail-Park in the Kelsey Creek parking lot. The Nature Trail trailhead is east of the barns at the northeast end of the pasture. The trail begins at the bridge crosses Kelsey Creek. Exercise Trail – The trail begins by the chain link fence near the entrance to the park.
Phantom Lake Walkway (2.6 miles)
This is a wonderful trail for that escape from the office, lunchtime jog or an after-school walk to give the kids an alternative to afternoon TV. This loop is a 2.6-mile long asphalt path designed to handle high-density use. Lots of trees along the path create a relaxing atmosphere. You’ll hear songbirds and see squirrels scurrying up the trunks of the trees. On 168th Ave., the loop connects to Weowna Park trailhead and on to Lake Sammamish. Some of the oldest and biggest trees known to exist in Bellevue grow here. The Phantom Lake Walkway connects with Lake Hills Greenbelt at 156th Ave. SE and Se 16th St.
To Reach the Trailhead:
Use the parking lots at Lake Hills Community Park, 1200 164th St., or Phantom Lake Park, 156th Ave. SE and SE 20th Street. Access the trail at any spot along the loop. Look for the trailhead designation posts.
Ashwood Playfield
10820 NE 10th St., Bellevue, WA 98009
Tel: 425.452.6914
Amenities: 1 multi-use field, handicapped accessible, 2.84 acres.
Lake Hills Greenbelt Trail (2 miles)
A Red-tailed Hawk circles overhead as hikers and joggers pass below. Two miles of comfortable, multi-use trails wind through the Lake Hills Greenbelt, connecting Larsen and Phantom Lakes. The greenbelt is a wetland corridor encompassing over 172 acres of woods, wetlands, and suburbia. Wildlife habitats accommodate an amazing variety of birds and animals such as coyotes, muskrats, and many songbirds.
To Reach The Trailhead: Entry points are located at 148th SE and SE 6th, Lake Hill Blvd. (adjacent to the Library), and 156th SE and SE 16th.
Bannerwood Sports Park
1790 Richards Rd., Bellevue, WA 98009
Tel: 425.452.6914
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Amenities: 1 tournament quality baseball stadium (lighted), concessions available, viewing stands, restrooms, handicapped accessible, 12.65 acres.
Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main St., Bellevue, WA 98005
Tel: 425.452.2750Bellevue Botanical Garden at Wilburton Hill Park contains beautiful display gardens, wetlands and woodlands. The mission of the 53-acre garden is to develop, maintain and display plant collections in a park setting for the purposes of horticultural demonstration, education and passive recreation.
Robinswood Tennis Center
2400 151st Place SE, Bellevue, WA
Tel: 425.452.7690Features 4 indoor courts, 4 outdoor courts and offers a full range of activities.
Marymoor Park
6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, WA
Tel: 206.205.3661
A 640-acre park with a variety of outdoor sports facilities and activites. Features a summer concert series.
Mercer Slough Nature Park
2102 Bellevue Way SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Tel: 425.452.6885
320 acre recreational park located in the heart of Bellevue, WA and home to Washington’s largest remaining wetland.
Newcastle Beach Park
4400 Lake Washington Boulevard SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Tel: 425.452.6885
The largest beach park in Bellevue featuring a 300-foot dock, picnic facilities, large open field for games, sandy swimming beach, nature trail, and playground equipment.
Bellevue Aquatic Center
601 143rd Avenue NE
Tel: 425.452.4444
Features two indoor pools and a variety of classes and programs for children and adults.
South Bellevue Community CenterEastgate Park
14509 SE Newport Way
Tel: 425.452.4240
Fitness and recreation center with a fitness room, double gymnasium, climbing wall and challenge course.
Bellevue Beach Parks
Tel: 425.452.6881Bellevue has fabulous beach parks that are wonderful spots for swimming, fishing, playing and enjoying the lake views.