Seemingly in a busy part of town, this park is a retreat for runners, bird-watchers, and casual walkers looking to enjoy the scenic wetlands of Juanita Bay Park. For a long time, I didn't know this was considered to be a park of its own, but it is! Juanita BAY park is different from Juanita BEACH park...the difference is in the name: this park doesn't have a beach! Don't let that turn you away, though. This park is built around natural wetlands with acres and acres of lily pads, bridges and outlook areas.
Nature always seems to provide some sort of amazing activity for visitors! I love to walk through this park about an hour before sunset to view all of the wildlife. It feels like you're watching a show on the Discovery Channel as turtles, ducks, beavers, red winged blackbirds, ospreys, fish, blue martins, and even the territorial bald eagle surround you! About a month ago, I saw two ospreys, setting their nest on a tower designed specifically for them. Hopefully they will raise some chicks so we can watch the family grow!
This park is also a runner's heaven. Who wouldn't love the more than 110 acres of land, including about 3,000 linear feet of a running trail?? Not to mention to arched entrances, wooden bridges, and green green green all around!! These are all fun and unusual sights, but not as unusual as watching the weekly Tai Chi classes meeting and practicig in the middle of the grass!
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by Kirkland in the summer time. Once the sun come out, it can be a little bit over-crowded, but this park is an escape from the more well-known parks in the area. Kirkland's Juanita Bay Park is a gem and a real treat to those who know of it. During all of the hustle and bustle of summertime in Kirkland, I love to enjoy this marvelous getaway, located in the Juanita area.
Go ahead and check it out for yourself, and you'll see what I'm talking about!
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