Sarg Hubbard Park | Yakima

Sarg Hubbard Park is a prominent and well-loved 16-acre community park located at 111 S 18th Street, Yakima, Washington. It serves as a major gateway to the Yakima Greenway, a 20-mile system of paved paths that connect parks, lakes, and rivers along the Yakima River corridor. The park is not only a recreational hub but also a place of natural beauty and community engagement, making it one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Yakima Valley.

🏞️ Landscape & Natural Features

The park sits along the Yakima River, offering scenic views of the waterway as well as abundant green space. One of the signature features of the park is the Reflection Pond, sometimes referred to as “Fisherman’s Pond.” This tranquil body of water is surrounded by manicured lawns, shade trees, and native riparian vegetation such as willow, cottonwood, and red osier dogwood. The pond creates a natural, meditative space that draws anglers, kayakers, and walkers alike.

The natural habitat supports a wide range of birdlife including herons, Canada geese, ducks, red-winged blackbirds, songbirds, and even the occasional bald eagle, making the park a quiet hotspot for casual birdwatching.

🚶 Trails & Accessibility

Sarg Hubbard Park functions as a central node of the Yakima Greenway, and includes:

A 0.9-mile loop trail encircling the Reflection Pond, popular for walking, jogging, or cycling.

Access points to longer Greenway trails leading north toward McGuire Park and eastward toward Sherman Park and beyond.

The entire park is ADA accessible, with flat, well-maintained paths suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes. Benches and shaded rest areas are placed thoughtfully along the trail system.

🎣 Fishing & Water Activities

The Reflection Pond is regularly stocked by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife with rainbow trout and triploid grass carp. It is particularly suited for:

Shoreline fishing (no motorized boats).

Youth and beginner anglers, due to the easy access and calm waters.

Non-motorized boating such as kayaking or canoeing, especially in summer when the water is clear and reflective.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Amenities

Sarg Hubbard Park caters to families with:

A playground built with natural-themed climbing elements, including slides, bridges, rope features, and an OmniSpin Spinner. Reconstructed in 2020 after a fire, the playground is designed for ages 5 to 12 and emphasizes inclusive, sensory-rich play.

Picnic tables and grassy lawns for informal gatherings, picnics, or birthday celebrations.

A duck-feeding area along the pond, a favorite among children (though signage advises against feeding processed bread).

🧘 Health & Fitness Features

A standout feature is the 20-station Fit Trail, which circles the park:

Equipment includes stretching bars, pull-up stations, balance beams, cardio checkpoints, and more.

It was funded through a collaboration between the Parker Youth & Sports Foundation and community donations.

Fitness stations are spaced to align with the walking path, encouraging movement and health for all ages.

🏛️ Visitor Center & Community Services

The newly developed Yakima Greenway Visitor Center is located within the park and serves as:

A community hub with meeting rooms, public restrooms, and informational displays about local ecology, history, and conservation efforts.

A space that can be rented for small events, workshops, and nature programs.

A base for the Greenway Foundation, the non-profit that manages the broader Yakima Greenway trail system and organizes park activities.

🎉 Seasonal Events & Programs

The park is also a central location for community events, such as:

Earth Day Yakima – A regional celebration of sustainability, featuring vendors, live music, educational booths, and youth activities.

Family Fun Fest – A summer event with kayaks, a giant slip-n-slide, bounce houses, a “bike rodeo,” and food trucks.

Marathons and 5Ks – Hosted throughout the year, with the park often serving as the start/finish line.

All events are family-friendly and emphasize outdoor engagement and environmental education.

🕒 Hours & Visitor Info

Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Free on-site parking

Clean, regularly maintained restrooms

Pet-friendly, though pets must be on leashes

Managed by the Yakima Greenway Foundation

Sarg Hubbard Park blends peaceful nature with family-friendly recreation and serves as a foundational piece of Yakima’s outdoor culture. Whether you're enjoying a quiet afternoon walk, taking your kids fishing, attending a seasonal festival, or getting in a lakeside workout, this park delivers a well-rounded outdoor experience in the heart of the city.