We made the trek out to Baltimore Park on March 15. It was a chilly morning, but the sun was bright. Baltimore Park sits far in the north end of Tacoma, it has a small playground area, a large playfield, and has a senior center located within the park grounds, so ample car parking. Sadly, a complete LACK OF BIKE PARKING. I do have a request off to Metro Parks so we'll see if/what response they have in regard to that.
The playground area had some climbing rocks, and a small child could climb up to the slides. The slides and playground were not new, but were in good shape still. The swings were in good shape - both toddler and regular swings.
Park History:
Shockingly, its tough to find much for Baltimore Park History online. From what I can tell, the surface was removed and replaced in 2015 due to heavy metal contaminants from the Ruston Smelter. The only picture on the Northwest Room website that mentioned Baltimore Park doesn't actually have it in the picture. Whoever described it is confusing the Inspiration Bible Church for the park.
Bike Access:
The roads around Baltimore Park are not busy so it was relatively easy to get there. My initial instinct was to bike on Orchard, as I drive on Stevens a lot and I know that can get busy with traffic, even if it does have a bike lane for most of the way north of 6th ave. However, Orchard has no lane, and almost no shoulder, but has lots of traffic, so avoid going north/south on Orchard.
Park Amenities:
The park has a large green space, great for some fetch with dogs, impromptu soccer or kickball. Or a picnic out in the sun. Several dogs were getting their work in when we there, even though it was chilly.
Missing:
I'm not sure there is much missing from the Park. Its a neighborhood park - its already close to Pt D. So, its a great place to get some green. I also do love that the houses close to it have minimal yards - get them out in the park and force more usage of our public spaces. That is a good thing.
The playground area had some climbing rocks, and a small child could climb up to the slides. The slides and playground were not new, but were in good shape still. The swings were in good shape - both toddler and regular swings.
Park History:
Shockingly, its tough to find much for Baltimore Park History online. From what I can tell, the surface was removed and replaced in 2015 due to heavy metal contaminants from the Ruston Smelter. The only picture on the Northwest Room website that mentioned Baltimore Park doesn't actually have it in the picture. Whoever described it is confusing the Inspiration Bible Church for the park.
Bike Access:
The roads around Baltimore Park are not busy so it was relatively easy to get there. My initial instinct was to bike on Orchard, as I drive on Stevens a lot and I know that can get busy with traffic, even if it does have a bike lane for most of the way north of 6th ave. However, Orchard has no lane, and almost no shoulder, but has lots of traffic, so avoid going north/south on Orchard.
Park Amenities:
The park has a large green space, great for some fetch with dogs, impromptu soccer or kickball. Or a picnic out in the sun. Several dogs were getting their work in when we there, even though it was chilly.
Missing:
I'm not sure there is much missing from the Park. Its a neighborhood park - its already close to Pt D. So, its a great place to get some green. I also do love that the houses close to it have minimal yards - get them out in the park and force more usage of our public spaces. That is a good thing.
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