Head to Sammamish for a Day at the Park

Get off the "beaten path" of 228th Avenue in Sammamish and you'll find hidden treasures such as on 212th Avenue Southeast. It is down from the and offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages.

Tim Larson, city of Sammamish spokesman, explained that the idea behind the park and its location was to have it in the western part of the city.

I love taking my family to Ebright. The accessible parking lot is adjacent to a large sports court. Get in shape by challenging your kids to basketball, tennis or soccer--all located right in the court. An easy, circular sidewalk around the court is perfect for children wanting to ride their bikes and the grassy area is inviting for a picnic. But if this area next to the parking lot is the only place you go, you'll actually be missing 90 percent of the true Ebright Creek Park. 

Ebright really begins as you meander along the big wooden bridge to the back area of the park (make sure to bring your belongings with you, including your snacks and bandages, if you have kids. The parking lot is not close to most of the park). 

After crossing the bridge, which is surrounded by the natural brush and wetlands of the area, a large expanse of green will greet you. Here one can often find families playing soccer or having a big birthday bash. The park offers tables with a shelter, available to rent. In addition, there are two sections of playground. One part is for the kids under the age of 5 years old and one is for children 5 to 12 years old.

My kids love the playground because it offers unusual equipment that is often not found anywhere else. Goofy, spin-out-of-control paraphernalia is great for those kids who love getting dizzy. A long, fast slide is perfect for the daredevils. Swings and a teeter-totter bring a smile to the face of any toddler. 

But you don't even need kids to enjoy this park because past the playground is the best kept secret of Ebright. Head down the gravel path and you'll get to see the creek that is this park's namesake. Have fun watching it when you visit during different seasons. In winter, it is practically a roaring river. The natural foliage around the creek reminds us of what the area looked like before being developed.

You can also take the gravel walkway parallel to the creek and you'll come to a long, circular pathway that winds up behind the natural foliage and the creek. Bring your dog (on a leash of course) or your honey and stroll past the creek along this easy, picturesque pathway. You won't even hear the kids at the playground. 

Bring a picnic and catch the rays of the next sunny day (sure to happen soon) in the 12 acres of Ebright Creek Park.