Luther Burbank Park

Location: Mercer Island
Address: 2040 84th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island
Acreage: 77

The hallmark open space on what was called “East Seattle” 130 years ago, Luther Burbank Park offers dozens of amenities on a huge piece of waterfront with views looking toward Bellevue.

Because the park is large and spread out vertically (with 3/4 of a mile of waterfront), it’s worth checking out the park’s online map in advance to plan where you want to park according to what your interests are. A sandy swimming area with a sloping lawn is the draw at the southern edge of the park. It’s guarded in the summer and is popular with families and day camp groups. An interesting “earth sculpture” on the way from the parking lot to the beach was being used for motorcross on my visit.

For a short hike, find the trail head just north of the swimming area and follow it along the waterfront. Soon you’ll reach a large fishing pier. Continue straight to get to the waterfront off-leash dog park or head uphill to access the rest of the park’s features, which are also reachable via the north parking lot.

The heart of the park is made up of a meadow, tennis courts, an amphitheater and a fantastic playground. Kids can stay busy on the huge climbing structure, net rope climber, zip line, and slides. A smaller area has toys for younger tots and swings.

If you’re still up for exploring, venture further north to find wetlands and a P-patch.

Luther Burbank Park was originally the homestead of Charles C. Calkins, before becoming a school and then finally a park in 1931. It’s named after the botanist and horticulturist born in 1849 who developed more than 800 varieties of plants. Several old buildings still make up the park’s landscape.

#444 (Visited 8/25/14)