Sun is in the forecast all week. Just in time, our contributor Tabitha has a report on Puget Park in North Tacoma, a unique pocket park with interesting equipment, shady picnic spots, and a trail that leads down to Ruston Way.
Puget Park sits on 1.22 acres and is nestled on 31st & N. Proctor in North Tacoma, with a newly updated playground and a trail connecting Puget Gulch and the Ruston Way waterfront.
The park offers a playground, trails, and shade that makes it a great spot on a hot day. There are tables for a picnic, or you can throw down a blanket and relax on the grass.
The playground equipment is fairly new and has many different features. I’d say the toys are appropriate for a range of ages; 0-2 years old will love the swings and the shaded grass, 2-12 will find something they love. I’d say the big toy is geared more towards ages 2-7, as the older children get bored quickly. Ages 8-12 will enjoy the spinning toys surrounding the big toy. There are plenty of hills if your child loves to roll down the grass hills.
The park isn’t fully enclosed, although they do have it fenced off where it drops down for the gulch. You can easily view the whole playground from one spot.
The park also has an entrance to a walking trail known as Puget Gulch, which is about a one mile walk down to the waterfront. One of the openings for the trail is located right at the park if you feel like walking a little. Just a warning while playing at the playground, your young child can wander down the trail, and it can be dangerous if they’re not using caution.
When visiting Puget Park, keep in mind there is no bathroom available, so be sure to go before you leave for the playground or you know where the nearest restroom is, there is the Wheelock Library which is a couple streets down.
Note from SFM: We think the gulch trail is a great urban adventure, but it is on the steep side for littles (it’s a gulch, after all)! You should also know that this area has been significantly revitalized in recent years after a long period of neglect and associated problems, but you may still be more comfortable exploring it with a group. Here is more info. about the Puget Creek Natural area, and here is more information about Puget Park. If you’ve visited this playground or trail recently, we’d love your reviews, too!
Can’t get enough of our playground and park reviews? You can always find more by clicking on the outdoor adventure tab in the menu bar!
Tabitha Black- local mom, lifestyle, travel and family blogger at Love, Tabitha Be sure to check her out!