# data[].attributes.location_name
Dockton Forest - Mountain Bike Trails, Southwest 260th Street, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Dockton Forest - Mountain Bike Trails, Southwest 260th Street, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Dockton Forest - Mountain Bike Trails, Southwest 260th Street, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.location_name
Dockton Park, Southwest Dock Street, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Dockton Park, Southwest Dock Street, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Dockton Park, Southwest Dock Street, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Sarah george

# data[].attributes.location_name
Fort Steilacoom Park, 87th Avenue Southwest, Lakewood, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Fort Steilacoom Park, 87th Avenue Southwest, Lakewood, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Fort Steilacoom Park, 87th Avenue Southwest, Lakewood, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
I chose Ft. Steilacoom Park, which is about 5 minutes from my house. I usually come here to take my kids to the park and for sporting events, but for this assignment, we were able to experience another side of the park.   This is one of the finest urban parks in the South Sound. Fort Steilacoom Park was once a US army fort and mental health hospital farm. There are more than 7.0 miles of trails traversing woodlands, prairie, rolling hills, and lakeshore to explore. It is also an off leash dog park with plenty of room to roam in its 340 acres.

The area was homesteaded in the 1840s and became part of Fort Steilacoom in 1849. Several of the fort’s original buildings are still standing—located north of Steilacoom Boulevard and west of Western State Hospital. In 1871 the fort was repurposed as an insane asylum ultimately becoming Western State Hospital. A good portion of the original fort grounds south of Steilacoom Boulevard were operated until 1965 as a farm for the hospital. Patients worked on the farm alongside staff. Several farm buildings are still standing as well as the orchard.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Reese Park, Old Owen Road, Sultan, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Reese Park, Old Owen Road, Sultan, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Reese Park, Old Owen Road, Sultan, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
I have lived in Sultan for 23 years and had never visited this sweet, little park by the river. It is located just off of one of the major highways in Western Washington - Highway 2. Right near it, is a mobile home park and a grocery store. There is a ball field and playground and many, many trees.  I found this lovely little place off the beaten path. I could not find much about the history of this park, but I think it has been here for a long time. On any given weekend, the traffic crawls along the highway. This would be a great place to decompress while waiting for the traffic to clear.
Kimberly McCullough

# data[].attributes.location_name
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.location_name
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.location_name
Camp Long, 35th Avenue Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Camp Long, 35th Avenue Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Camp Long, 35th Avenue Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
I’m enjoying a lovely calm evening in a park I’ve never fully explored. I’ve been to a rowdy child’s birthday party here, but never walked on my own.

It’s peaceful, with various birds calling and a gentle breeze. Distant train horns and the rumbling of the trains on their tracks are a reminder that I am in an urban forest. But I find it soothing because I associate it with my childhood in the Midwest. I step and snap a twig. The sudden sharp sound breaking the stillness.

I had no idea the park was this large and gorgeous. Or that it closes at 6 and I’d be locked in, if not for the kindness of a neighbor with a key. I encountered no one else on my hike. I have more pictures I’d love to share. Here’s an iCloud link to other photos:

https://share.icloud.com/photos/08boWGjibex50q_GwxxWkiO9Q

Camp Long is 68 acres and was acquired by the city in 1937 as a place for children to enjoy. It was named after a juvenile court judge, William G Long. He wanted a place for city youths to learn outdoor skills and enjoy nature. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19911107&slug=1315914

Thank you for this assignment.

Diane Nielsen

# data[].attributes.location_name
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Clark's Creek Park South, 12th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.location_name
Gas Station Park, South Park Avenue, Tacoma, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Instead of going to Point Defiance or Swan Creek, I chose to go to my local park within a five minute walk from my home in South Tacoma.  This is Gas Station Park and it is located within what has been designated an urban heat island.  Once the site of an actual gas station, this park was built by a local man because there weren't any parks in the area for local kids.  This is the one and only tree within or around the park.  As you can see from the picture, it is still rather small.
The park has been gifted to Metro Parks who will start a redesign of the park this fall.  I am happy to say that the plans involve more than one tree.
Molly

# data[].attributes.body
McCormick Forest Park is 122 acres of land  transferred to Pierce County in 1996. It was done so under the terms that it would be used as a public park. Eventually it ended up in the hands of PenMet Parks who developed it as a trail system. It was developed and maintained by high school groups, volunteers, Washington Corrections Center for Women, and Eagle Scouts, and the Master Gardeners.

This urban forest benefits the community in so many ways. People of all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life contribute to its maintenance, which was exciting and new information for me! As Gig Harbor quickly develops and grows, it is a large chunk of land that will stay green. This forest is beautiful, lining the freeway and another larger roadway commonly used in Gig Harbor. Many people use it for exercise, school groups use the stream and environment for learning, and I use it as a fun activity to do with my kids.

My experience in my sit spot filled my senses. Its so think with bright green vegetation. A snake slithered across by path, I heard several different bird calls, and saw evidence of a spot a deer had taken a rest. I could faintly hear the freeway, otherwise I could have easily been convinced I was deep in the mountains. I felt appreciative, restful, and curious about my surroundings and left feeling fuller.

Jessica Worthen

# data[].attributes.location_name
DeCoursey Park, 7th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
DeCoursey Park, 7th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
DeCoursey Park, 7th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
At the beginning of our forest walk my daughter and I stumbled upon a sign someone posted over the park rules sign.  It read "Enchanted Forest" ➡ and "Forest of Discontent ⬅.  After explaining what discontent meant, my daughter selected the "Enchanted Forest" path.  Phew!  An enchanted morning it has been.  Lots to observe, discuss, and share.

Oh, yeah! The benefits of the trees on this community. A beautiful, quiet oasis in the middle of downtown Puyallup. A place to escape the busy scenery of homes, cars, ball parks, and playgrounds and enjoy greenery, water, and nature. There is food and water for local wildlife.

# data[].attributes.location_name
DeCoursey Park, 7th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
DeCoursey Park, 7th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
DeCoursey Park, 7th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Peeking into a pond as we attempt to not disturb some early morning fishermen. Making our way to see if there are any frogs or fish that would welcome a curious smile. Quiet time before the neighboring streets have woken up. My daughter and I hear beautiful songs from the birds hiding in the tall grasses, shrubs, and trees.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Wildwood Park, 23rd Avenue Southeast, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Wildwood Park, 23rd Avenue Southeast, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Wildwood Park, 23rd Avenue Southeast, Puyallup, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
By Kimberly Anderson

Wildwood park was Originally the land of the Puyallup tribe. Louis Kupfer went fishing with an Indian friend saw the area then settled on 160 acres here about 1877. In 1905 ida coblentz sold 80 acres of natural forest to the water company who then sold it to the city of Puyallup which continues to manage it today. 55 acres are naturally forested. A water reservoir was located here but decommissioned in 1950.

Benefits of these trees to the community: they prevent erosion, cool area with shade, provides habitat for birds and animals, offer beauty, and healing benefits from pine aerosol. But my favorite observation was a grade school age boy running through the trees with a sword and shield. The benefit of unplugging a child from screens and sparking his imagination is incalculable.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Renton Park, 130th Ave SE, Renton, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Renton Park, 130th Ave SE, Renton, WA, USA- Marielle Brue

# data[].attributes.subject
Renton Park, 130th Ave SE, Renton, WA, USA- Marielle Brue

# data[].attributes.body
Renton Park in Renton. It is sandwiched between two schools and several residential areas in the Fairwood neighborhood. It is a King County urban forest but it is maintained by volunteers and park ambassadors from the Washington Trails Association.

Going between Lindbergh High School and Renton Park Elementary and down a gravel path one, enters into a huge urban forest space. There are several access points from different directions. There are lots of old trees (including cedars and maples), bushes, ferns, plants (including nettles) and many paths. It is great for a short hike, walks, dog walking and even geocaching (of which I have 3 caches hidden here).

It is a peaceful, relaxing place close to homes but in forest land. The sound many different birds drowns out the sounds of cars nearby. There are many fallen logs to sit on and also a bench in memory of someone to sit on when it is dry. The canopy of trees nestles you in a cozy forest space of many greens. The rains have made the gravel and dirt trails a bit mucky but also made things very green.

I have been there before usually from a different entrance. Just being in this urban forest made me feel so peaceful and relaxed today of which I was not upon entering. I will use it more often for a quiet urban forest escape when I need to feel at peace and relaxed.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Sarah winakur
Trees, fresh air, wild flowers
Sitting at this park realizing how amazing it is to live a mile from here. The ocean is on the path and just really loved all the rabbits and squirrels running around.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Lincoln park nurse log, Kelly howard

# data[].attributes.location_name
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Kelly howard, Lincoln park haiku

# data[].attributes.location_name
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Kelly howard, notes from the forest

# data[].attributes.location_name
Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, Waller Road East, Spanaway, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Rachel Versolenko—Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, Waller Road East, Spanaway, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Rachel Versolenko—Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, Waller Road East, Spanaway, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Rachel Versolenko (notes)

# data[].attributes.location_name
Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, Waller Road East, Spanaway, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Rachel Versolenko—Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, Waller Road East, Spanaway, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Rachel Versolenko—Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, Waller Road East, Spanaway, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
Although it doesn’t probably qualify as an urban forest, I think the area designed at my new school (opened March 2022) is very unique. It’s an open space for teachers to use but they planted lovely trees (they just need to grow more) that will provide shade and they used natural resources for benches/climbing. I was outside when one of the grades were releasing butterflies.

This is a STEAM school, FYI.

Rachel Versolenko

# data[].attributes.location_name
Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest, 115th Ave SW, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest, 115th Ave SW, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest, 115th Ave SW, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.location_name
Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest, 115th Ave SW, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Sarah George -Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest

# data[].attributes.subject
Sarah George -Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest

# data[].attributes.location_name
Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest, 115th Ave SW, Vashon, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.headline
Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest Sarah George

# data[].attributes.subject
Cemetery Trailhead - Island Center Forest Sarah George

# data[].attributes.location_name
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Tressa Arbow, Lincoln Park in West Seattle

# data[].attributes.headline
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.subject
Lincoln Park, Fauntleroy Way Southwest, Seattle, WA, USA

# data[].attributes.body
The trees at LP provide shade for local residents, habitat and shelter for critters, oxygen, play opportunities, and food.