Simply Amazing! Woodlands Park, Kirkland, Washington

Simply Amazing! Woodlands Park, Kirkland, Washington

It is visible from 124th Ave NE in

Kirkland. That road is an oft used north south route through Rose Hill and we have passed this park many times.

What jumps out, as you are whisking along, is this giant play structure that

looks like a castle. But it disappears quickly from view as you drive north on 124th.

One day in the summer of 2008 some friends came back from North Carolina for a visit. The gathering was slated for the gazebo in the middle of Woodlands Park.

A gazebo? In the middle of the park? The pictures were intriguing.

We attended, along with 30 other friends.

Where to park? We found a spot on NE 100th street, Kirkland, and found a walking trail entrance.

Immediately we were enveloped in forest.

We walked and we walked. Surrounded by tall trees and chirping birds!

Was it possible that we were really in the heart of Rose Hill, in the middle of a residential neighborhood?

It seemed like we were suddenly and mysteriously transported to the Alaskan wilderness.

Then abruptly - a huge clearing with neatly mowed grass.

And there stood the gazebo! Just like in the picture.

At this point we had lived in Kirkland for 19 years. And we had never seen this place. Didn’t know it even existed!

All our friends were gathering. The guests of honor were there. Greetings and hugs and laughter all around.

The food was all laid out. Each couple dug around for their paper plates, and silverware amidst the happy chatter.

We had a great time with friends. There was plenty of room for everyone.

The sun was shining and the birds were twittering.

It was a magical time.

And a magical place.

And the Woodlands Park, in Kirkland Washington, has had a special place in my heart ever since!

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