Discovering Seattle - Green Lake
My first eye opening experience on getting to know Seattle was during my initial visit to Green Lake.
Thirty plus years ago, as a Michigan transplant, I was told Green Lake had lighted public tennis courts. I was excited to try them out. Tennis was a fun way for me to meet people in Seattle. From the many courts available I selected the lighted, lower Woodland courts.
Eventually I looked for other activities in the area and I was impressed with the variety available. I watched the fireworks that first year on July 4th as I lay on my blanket marveling at the lack of mosquitoes. Later I took in one of the milk carton races and even watched small hydroplanes racing at the lake. Sadly, hydroplane racing here has now been discontinued. Stories of alligators in the lake circulated a few years ago, but wading is again encouraged. The newspaper claimed that the two Cayman captured late one night were someone’s pets released into the lake. Even though they say there are no more in the lake now, I still look over my shoulder when I near the weedy areas.
I joined the crowds circling the lake on its 3+ mile skating/walking/jogging/biking trail.
I recall that even back then it was busy. Pick up basketball games were available, and Frisbee throwing practiced at a number of locations. The public pool was and still is a big draw and entertainment at the Bathhouse Theater at times was good. Miniature golf, wading pools and picnicking added still more variety for family entertainment.
I continue to find enjoyment at Green Lake and frequently note that it is even getting better.
Lighted public tennis courts at lower Woodland are consistently well used and are now mirrored by lighted baseball and soccer fields. A small craft boat center rents a variety of boats ranging from paddleboats to sail boats while crew races can still be observed from the amphitheater at the south end of the lake. From time to time kids fishing areas located by the pool are planted with trout. The fishing event is usually well advertised. Fishing around the lake is improving as weed control measures take effect. Moguls have been added for the mountain bike enthusiast just south of the lighted tennis courts and Gregg’s Green Lake Cycle has added roller blades to its list of rental items.
Benches are strategically placed around the lake to allow people to read or watch the parade around the lake.
Wading pools exist for the grandkids. New restaurants have joined some of the old standbys and all seem to be prospering. The City of Seattle has a web site that lists activities.
I have also enjoyed several outings at nearby Woodland Park Zoo over the years.
During this time the exhibits have expanded and the animal habitat has become even more authentic. It now looks so real, that I have even been observed supplementing pictures I have taken during an Alaskan trip with better shots of wildlife considerably easier to obtain at the zoo.
Don’t tell my grandkids however; lest the disclosure detract from the exciting tales that often accompany the embellished retelling of my northern adventures.
Green Lake and the Woodland Park Zoo are both worth several trips. They have separately become two of the many reasons I am hooked on this area. Go there often and take others with you.
