Location: Kirkland
Address: 12032 Holmes Pt. Dr. N.E.
Acreage: 46
O. O. Denny Park holds a special place in my life, because it was my childhood park. I spent hours and hours here as a kid climbing trees, swimming and exploring Denny Creek as it trickles out into Lake Washington.
In recent years the neighborhood has banded together to preserve this north Kirkland waterfront and keep it in tiptop shape. A playground was added a few years ago and new benches sit along the crest near the water.
But what I love most about this park is that it still provides for plenty of natural play time for kids. You can splash in the water or swim (it’s unguarded), look for salmon returning to the creek, hide among the trees, and, best of all, hike in old-growth forest.
The park dates back to Seattle’s founding Denny party, whose son bought this area as a getaway from city life more than 100 years ago. Read more about its history (it was also a children’s camp) here.
The trails begin across the street near the gravel parking lot. These are kid- and dog-friendly (leashes required) and have lots of interesting things to spot along the way, including what remains of a 600-year-old Douglas fir affectionately named Sylvia.
Summer is the best time to visit this park and reignite your childhood spirit.
#454 (Visited 5/12/13)