Very much a neighborhood park, as parking is non-existent and somewhat confusing. Surrounded by neighborhood homes, this space of trails is great for a simple stroll. We picked up coffee and made our way to the pond to see the "wildlife" (beavers), and we're met with the usual ducks, heron. Some pathways have creative art installations, which are fun to find and view as you continue your way around. Many small trail-ways weave through the park that is mostly set on and around the pond. Views in the autumn are beautiful as leaves change color and reflect in the water below. read more

Meadowbrook Pond - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Meadowbrook Pond is quite large. My mom, a couple friends, and I explored here when I was growing up before swim practice at the neighboring Meadowbrook Pool. At those times we we didn't make it much farther than the bridge just past the entrance/exit on 35th Avenue NE. More recently on 23 June 2020 my mom and I revisited the pond to explore past the bridge. We were both pleasantly surprised how big the pond is and appreciated the trails/bridges across and around the pond. Bridges/walking platforms extend across the pond enabling you to get closer to the wildlife living in and visiting the pond. From little fish to adult ducks to ducklings to Herons and red-winged blackbirds, there was much to watch and look for around the water when we visited. Ducklings were with their mama foraging for food around the edge of the pond. In another stretch of the pond ducks were sun bathing and resting. Around the outside of the pond are trails through the vegetation surrounding the pond. The paths we walked were paved and the trees provided shade away from the sunshine which was starting to bake our skin so felt nice. Be on the look out for various rodents including squirrels and bunnies as well as birds including Robins on these walks. Placards strategically placed throughout the park provide basic information about the ecology of the pond and some of the interconnected human-wildlife-land history. I especially liked the maps provided of the pond and reflective refuge in an informational pavilion. Fun to have maps in more than one medium! An enjoyable place to come for a stroll over the water and through the trees where one can savor the wildlife of Seattle. read more

See all

The Meadowbrook Pond is a wonderful little sanctuary which features diverse wildlife (ducks, beavers, cranes, frogs, bats and much more), interesting foliage, sculptures and trails all integrated so that human and wildlife alike can enjoy the surroundings. It also plays a very practical role, capturing sediment from Thorton Creek and reducing downstream impact. In July 2012 the Meadowbrook Pond began an extensive dredging project. A chain link fence went up and heavy equipment was brought in. According to the Seattle Public Utilities (http://bit.ly/WwjirC), dredging to remove sediment is necessary about every three to four years with a major pond cleaning occurring every ten. Based upon the work I saw, the project that was begun last summer must fall under the latter category. Additionally, according to the website run by Families For Lake City, the project had three primary objectives (http://bit.ly/WwiSBF): 1. Reduce the impacts of flooding on roads and streamside properties 2. Increase worker safety 3. Improve stream and riparian habitat It was great to see that the work also included some badly needed updates, returning the park to its original pristine setting. The past few years, prior to the renovation, had seen what I consider to be a significant deterioration of the pond ecology with noxious plants overgrowing the area, an occasional stench and even unwelcome graffiti. Also, the Public Utilities reported on their website that non-native bullfrogs, which are classified as prohibited aquatic animal species by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife were identified in the pond. The Meadowbrook Pond reopened to the public In October 2012, but work will continue in the summer of 2013. It's unclear (at least to me) how that work will affect the public's access. If you've never been to the Meadowbrook Pond, I highly encourage you to visit. It is simply a stunning place to go for a family walk. Bring your binoculars, bring a camera and embrace this magical part of Seattle. Tip: The Friends of Meadowbrook Pond provide all sorts of activities available to the public, including updates, tours, and annual luminaria walk and more. Find them on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/11fOp3o). read more

See all

Maria is right, this is an oasis. I never would have known this was here if not for my sense of adventure. We drove by the area a few times. And we kept wondering what this large wooded and tall grass area could be. Well, one day we pulled over and checked it out. There was a path and sign, "Meadowbrook Park". A park? Really? We strolled down the beautiful pathways, bridges, and decks. Lots of water, lovely art work and tons of wildlife. Completely peaceful. The whole park is filled with very zen like art, which only makes it more special. There are ducklings! Cute little ducks in the springtime. Cranes, geese, and other beautiful water fowl. Oh and beavers! You really think they are swamp monsters at first. Especially since the area was once a sewage plant, it gets your mind wandering. While the park is a little on the small side, it's a great stop during the day to relax. Its mostly locals to the area, so most people walk or jog to the park. But if you must drive, there really are no places to park along the side of the park. You need to park over near the community center and walk across to get the hidden treasure. read more

Meadowbrook Pond - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Such a gem in the middle of the city. There's a good length of trails to explore and a lot of wild life. I enjoy coming here when I want he feeling of nature but not enough time to get out of Seattle. read more

Meadowbrook Pond is a hidden gem in, of course, the Meadowbrook neighborhood just north of Wedgwood. The pond is a wildlife reserve and is about to undergo improvements which include making the pond larger. There was a park security guard who appears to be more of a host to the pond and is very knowledgeable about the wildlife which ranges from beavers, to Canadian gees, different duck breeds, etc. read more

Meadowbrook Pond - Just discovered this great pond in our backyard practically! - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

FYI, the pond walk and surrounding area is closed to the public until Sept. 2013. This SPU page applies: http://www.seattle.gov/util/environmentconservation/projects/drainagesystem/meadowbrook&thorntoncreek/meadowbrookupdates/ read more

I live on 35th ave but not within walking distance, NO PARKING anywhere! Was a bummer!