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Your 2018 Spring Bucket List is here!

The birds are singing, the sun is shining and spring has finally returned! We’re more than ready for the gifts this season brings, from longer days to warmer weather to beautiful views. Our parks are starting to buzz with activity as people come out of their winter hibernation and take to the outdoors. Seattle Parks and Recreation supports healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities. We have tons of opportunities to get active, get outside, and get involved. We’ve put together a list of can’t-miss items to lend some inspiration to your springtime activities.

 

Healthy People: Get active and learn a new skill

Get out on the water, pick up a racquet, or work on that throw! With 485 parks, 116 miles of trails, 6,414 acres of parkland, 25 miles of boulevards, 4 golf courses, 2 small craft centers, 151 play areas, 160 tennis courts, 207 athletic fields, 224 basketball hoops, 14 off-leash dog areas, and much, much more, we have everything you need to get active outdoors!

  • Disc golf: Did you know that Mineral Springs Park is home to one of only two public disc golf courses in Seattle? Tucked away near Northgate Mall, this 18 hole course is great for beginners and experienced players alike. Grab a frisbee and a few friends and you’ve got yourself a game!
  • Learn to sail: Interested in a family outing? Mount Baker Rowing & Sailing Center offers an Intro to Sailing course that is designed for beginners looking for an introduction to sailing on a larger, more stable boat. You will be introduced to the helm, being part of a crew, points of sail, parts of the boats, basic safety rules on the water, and you’ll learn a few sailing knots.
  • Amy Yee Tennis Center: Located on Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, the Amy Yee Tennis Center has 10 indoor and six outdoor courts. Classes are available for all ages and levels.

 

Healthy Environment: Take a tour of nature’s art museum

The clouds are finally parting and all over Seattle rainbows are sprouting up amongst the greenery. Springtime means our parks are being painted with swaths of gorgeous flowers. Take in the beauty and fragrance of nature’s art show at the following locations:

  • Green Lake Park: Walk the 2.8-mile path around Green Lake while enjoying pink and white flowering cherry trees. On the hunt for more cherry blossoms? Jefferson Park and Seward Park are also home to some beautiful blooms.
  • Woodland Park Rose Garden: The Rose Garden is one of only two dozen certified American Rose Test Gardens in the United States. At its picturesque best from May through August, the garden displays new rose hybrids before they become available to amateur rose enthusiasts.
  • Washington Park Arboretum: This 230-acre park features an impressive assortment of plants and flowers, including rhododendrons, azaleas and cherry blossoms.
  • Kubota Garden: The garden’s spectacular setting of hills and valleys, interlaced with streams, waterfalls, ponds, bridges, and rock out-croppings provides the perfect backdrop for springtime flourishes of rhododendrons.

 

Strong Communities: Join in on spring activities

Spring is a time of growth and renewal. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with your community and build new relationships by attending programs at your local community center, volunteering in your neighborhood, or joining a new team.

  • Spring Egg Hunts: We will host free egg hunts at various locations throughout the city at the end of March. Grab your little ones and bring a bag or basket to hunt for eggs.
  • Volunteer: Seattle’s premier clean-up event is held each year in April and May through a Seattle Public Utilities partnership with Parks and Recreation, Department of Neighborhoods, and Department of Transportation. Spring Clean provides opportunities for residents to keep our city tidy; the City supports volunteers with free bags, gloves, safety vests, and waste disposal. Find more volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer webpage.
  • Adult sports programs: Looking to join a team, but not sure where to start? Check out our adult sports programs! Our adult sports leagues are a great way to start getting active with a new community.

 

And it’s never too soon to start making summer plans!

It may not feel like it, but summer will be here before we know it! We love summertime at Seattle Parks and Recreation because our parks come alive with picnic goers and playground climbers, our pools and beaches are filled with swimmers and waders, and everyone is eager to spend more time outdoors. Start thinking about all of the ways to make this summer great for both work and play.

  • Employment opportunities: We are now accepting applications for various summer programs. Temporary positions are available at 24 community centers, eight indoor swimming pools, two outdoor pools, two small-craft centers, and many public beaches and wading pools. Click here for more information.
  • Spring/Summer brochures: Our Spring/Summer 2018 Brochures are here! Start planning your seasonal activities, classes, sports leagues, camps, programs and more. Summer program registration opens May 22. See all of our brochures here.
  • Sign up for summer camp: Take a look at all of the fun we’ll be having in our Summer Camp Brochure and get registered for summer adventure.
  • Scholarships: Thanks to the Seattle Park District, Seattle Parks and Recreation has scholarships available to individuals and families for our programs and activities. Scholarships are based on income and family size, and are available to anyone who qualifies, including seniors and people with disabilities.