Marymoor Park | Redmond

Marymoor Park is the largest and most well-known regional park within King County, Washington, located in Redmond at the northern tip of Lake Sammamish. Covering an expansive 640 acres, it is a premier outdoor destination attracting over three million visitors annually. The park serves as a vibrant recreational, cultural, and natural hub, offering an extensive variety of activities, amenities, and event spaces suited for families, sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and community members.

Landscape and Natural Features

Marymoor Park is characterized by a mix of open grassy fields, wooded areas, wetlands, and waterfront access along the Sammamish River and Lake Sammamish. The landscape supports diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Its natural corridors connect to regional trail networks, providing scenic routes for walking, running, cycling, and horseback riding. The park’s commitment to preserving green space within an urbanizing area reflects King County’s dedication to sustainable land management.

Recreation and Sports Facilities

The park boasts a comprehensive range of recreational facilities designed to accommodate a variety of interests and skill levels:

Off-Leash Dog Area: One of the largest and most popular dog parks in the region, spanning 40 acres. It includes multiple fenced zones catering to different dog sizes and temperaments, access to water features along the Sammamish Slough, walking trails, and amenities such as a covered dog wash station. This area is affectionately dubbed “Doggy Disneyland” by local dog owners.

Marymoor Velodrome: The park is home to Washington State’s only 400-meter outdoor velodrome, an arena dedicated to competitive track cycling. The facility is maintained by the Marymoor Velodrome Association and hosts races, training sessions, and cycling events that draw athletes from around the Pacific Northwest.

Climbing Wall: A 30-foot-tall climbing wall provides a controlled environment for bouldering and sport climbing. It accommodates climbers of varying experience levels and serves as a unique recreational feature within the park.

Athletic Fields and Courts: Marymoor contains multiple natural grass and artificial turf fields for soccer, softball, and other sports, as well as lighted tennis courts. These facilities support leagues, tournaments, and casual play, making the park a community focal point for team sports.

Rowing Boathouse: The Sammamish Rowing Association operates a boathouse on the park grounds, offering rowing programs and access to Lake Sammamish for water-based recreation.

Radio-Controlled Aircraft Field: Dedicated space for flying model aircraft, supported by the Marymoor Radio Control Club, fostering a niche recreational activity popular among hobbyists.

Trails and Connectivity

Marymoor Park’s extensive trail system links to regional routes such as the Sammamish River Trail and the planned East Lake Sammamish Trail, creating long-distance paths for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Trails are well-maintained and vary in terrain and difficulty, with some accommodating equestrian use. This connectivity makes the park a key node in the greater Puget Sound trail network.

Community Gardens and Historic Elements

Within Marymoor Park lies a large community garden area with over 200 plots managed by the Marymoor Community Garden Association, one of the oldest such programs in the United States. These plots provide residents with space for urban agriculture, education, and community building.

The park also preserves important historic landmarks, including the Willowmoor Farm and the Clise Mansion, designed by the Olmsted Brothers-famed landscape architects. The mansion and surrounding estate are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adding cultural depth and heritage to the park experience.

Events and Cultural Programming

Marymoor Park functions as a major venue for cultural and entertainment events in the region:

Summer Concert Series: The park hosts outdoor concerts attracting thousands of attendees to its open-air amphitheater near the historic Clise Mansion. The series features diverse musical acts across genres and is a highlight of the local summer calendar.

Outdoor Movie Nights: Seasonal, dog-friendly movie screenings are held outdoors, complete with food trucks and community atmosphere, appealing to families and pet owners alike.

Cirque du Soleil Performances: Every other year, Marymoor’s Recreation Event Pad becomes a stage for world-renowned Cirque du Soleil shows, providing internationally acclaimed entertainment in an open-air setting.

Seasonal and Community Events: Various festivals, charity runs, and community celebrations utilize the park’s expansive grounds, reinforcing its role as a central gathering place.

Visitor Services and Accessibility

Marymoor Park is designed to be accessible and visitor-friendly. It is open daily from early morning until dusk, with ample parking facilities subject to a modest fee, including options for purchasing parking passes online to streamline access. The park infrastructure incorporates ADA-compliant paths, restrooms, picnic areas, and shelters to accommodate visitors of all ages and abilities.

Sustainability and Stewardship

As a large urban park, Marymoor serves an important ecological function by preserving green space, supporting native species, and managing stormwater through natural wetlands and retention systems. The park’s management prioritizes environmental sustainability alongside recreational use, balancing human activity with conservation.

Summary

Marymoor Park stands as a multifaceted urban oasis blending natural beauty, rich history, diverse recreation, and vibrant cultural life. Its expansive grounds support active lifestyles with facilities for sports, cycling, climbing, dog walking, and gardening, while also providing spaces for quiet nature appreciation and community events. The park’s combination of historic landmarks, modern amenities, and year-round programming make it an essential destination in the Puget Sound region for residents and visitors seeking a rich outdoor experience.