Location: North Seattle/Wallingford
Address: 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N.
Acreage: 6.5
If Meridian Playground feels like a busy school yard, that’s because it is just that. The backyard to the private Meridian School and the historic Good Shepherd Center, which was built as a Catholic girls school and now hosts a number of non-profits, this park is much loved by its neighbors.
The best way to enter Meridian Park is through the stone archway at the northwest corner. Then, welcome to the madness. In the summer, particularly, this park is a zoo of activity. The playground equipment welcomes kids of all ages for climbing and jumping. Amidst the running and shrieking, don’t miss the cool sculptures that are based on children’s book characters.
The park still has the apple orchard that was planted more than 100 years ago when it was the garden of the Good Shepherd Center. You can even help yourself to apples. You’ll also find plenty of grassy areas for games, as well as picnic tables, benches and even a shelter.
You can find quiet moments at the Meridian Playground, as I did on a drizzly afternoon in October. Even if it was just for a few minutes… before recess began again.
#40 (Visited 10/13/09)