Play, Point Defiance

Plans to convert Kandle Park into an urban playland have taken a big step forward, with a new Draft Master Plan, featuring a beach-entry pool, sprayground, spray pool and skate park. Under the plan, Kandle would also get an all-new playground and keep the popular community garden space as well as a large open area for sports practices or other open ended uses. My kids had the opportunity to provide their input this summer along with the rest of the kids from the Gonyea Boys & Girls Club, who can't wait to play at their new park. Here's our last post about Kandle, from 2008: Having always driven by on N 26th Street, I always thought Kandle Park was just a sports field.

With all the other great stuff to do at Point Defiance, it's easy to forget that there's a very nice playground, free and open seven days a week. We spent the afternoon there with some friends, about 40 other local kids, and a large contingent of adults playing Frisbee in the fine Spring weather.

This afternoon the local rain gods smiled upon us and gave us just enough dry time to enjoy the first T-ball practice of the season at Vassault Park.

We've never visited this park before, and we've really been missing a great spot. Vassault is huge, with several play fields, a big grassy area large enough for a sizable community event, and a very nice playground with a wood chip surface. (Sand is bad news on muddy days like today.)