A Parent’s Review: Redmond's Grasslawn Park Offers Unique Play Areas
By Julie Deutscher
A giant merry-go-round and swings were the big kid-magnets during a recent summer visit to Redmond’s Grasslawn Park with my children and friends.
Having not been to the park since the City of Redmond completed a multi-year renovation, we were thrilled to discover a unique new play area with a splash pad, fountains, three climbing boulders designed by professional climbers, the merry-go-round (my kids called it a witch’s hat, but I couldn’t see the resemblance) and a creative set of swings.
As my friend and I set up a picnic beneath one of the large shady trees bordering the playground, I counted up to 20 kids happily twirling round and round on the merry-go-round. The swings, with seats like oversized, upside down Frisbees, fit up to four kids – and later, one brave mom.
Like all parents, I appreciated the indoor restrooms and drinking fountain conveniently located next to the playground. They were housed in a new all-season “picnic pavilion.” The brick building, with glass walls that open onto the park, was filled with café tables, artwork and a fireplace. It’s open to the public for drop-in use Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It may also be rented for birthday parties and other special events.
Grasslawn lives up to its name. There are plenty of grassy areas in the expansive park, separated by paved paths that are perfect for scooters and bicycles. We brought our scooters and the kids sped up to the larger playground full of webbed climbers, bridges, one of the tallest slides I’ve seen, a tot lot and traditional swings.
This playground didn’t offer as much shade – or the fountain for cooling off – on the hot day we were there. The kids quickly wilted and returned to the cooler attractions of the first playground.
The park also has soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts and basketball courts.
IF YOU GO
Where: 7031 148 Ave. N.E. There are two parking lots. The one off 148th is closest to the picnic pavilion and new playground. The one off N.E. 70th Place is closer to the “web” playground, tot lot and traditional swings.
