I have always loved parks, and since I'm from Saudi Arabia, there aren't a lot of park choices for me to pick from. So whenever I travel I make sure that I visits a lot of parks. However, since most of my travels have been in the European continent, I was really surprised when I saw the park options available in the US, especially in Bellevue.
I mean don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with them, however the size is really small when compared to parks in Paris or London. It might not be a fair comparison, since the cities of Paris and London are a lot bigger than Bellevue, but still those parks had something else to offer other than their size. When you walk in a park in London or Paris you will often stumble upon a coffee cart or a small kiosk that offers some knickknacks, something to keep you busy while you're taking a stroll in the park. However, it seems that parks in Bellevue don't really agree with me on the importance of having a coffee cart or something similar in their parks. Hopefully, someone decides to go into a coffee cart venture and opens one in Bellevue Downtown park!
Aside from the criticism in my past paragraph, I am actually writing this post about Bellevue Downtown Park, and how much my little family loves it.
The park to me represents an "open floor plan" there aren't any hidden turns, you won't be concerned that you don't know where a path leads to. The entire park could be seen from the top of the stairs that are in front of Bellevue Square's JCPenny. However, don't let that fool you in thinking that it's a small park, I actually think it is of a decent size, and more than enough for our little family. There is also a walking track -I am not sure if that's what it is called but I assume you know what I'm talking about-.
At the other side of the park there's a waterfall feature that dispenses water into a lake/pond -I think pond is more appropriate, but you can decide yourself-. Of course what are ponds/lakes without little duckies, which to us are considered the main feature, since the minute my baby sees them she wants to get into the water and swim with them. However, as you can see in the pictures, the pond has been drained to get it ready for Bellevue's Magic Season, which I'm gonna talk about later in this post.
The park also has a playground area with two sets of swings, two slides, a dragon that goes in and out of the ground, monkey bars and little seahorses -other adults my debate that they look like dinosaurs- that act like a one-child seesaw. Restrooms are conveniently located next to the play area, with a changing table available for your little baby.
In the center of the park there is a huge green area where dogs have the freedom to run, jump and maybe catch the occasional Frisbee. People also use that green area to play volleyball, soccer and football. Around the green area, there is what I assume can be called an artificial river, that might concern some parents as I see a lot of kids wanting to go and try their luck in walking over the water- and some of them succeed!-, but still, it looks pretty!
Another thing that I like in Bellevue Downtown Park are the benches on the walking trail, which are donated by people in memory of a loved one. those benches make me feel the sense of community in Bellevue.
Finally, A lot of events happen in Bellevue Downtown Park.
Hare Krishna which is an Indian festival that happens every year usually around the month of September is one of those events. They offer free food, educational information, and some other related merchandise. They also walk around the park singing, chanting and dancing forming a very beautiful portrait of colors and joy.
The 4th of July celebration also happens there with amazing fireworks coming from the rooftop of Bellevue Square's parking. Of course there is a food court with the usual varieties you would expect at an event like this. They also offer live music and some inflatables for the kids to enjoy.
Bellevue Downtown Park also offers during the months of July and august
outdoor movie nights for the entire family to enjoy. The movies are of course family friendly, and usually starts at around 9 pm. Admission is free and they offer some activities before the movie starts so they advise people to come early. Each movie is used as a way of contributing to different charities, so they urge viewers to come and enjoy the movie and while doing so maybe help that charity of that week.
On the end of November, the park transforms its pond into an Ice rink for its "
Magic Season", which is sponsored by Bank of America. I haven't been to the Ice rink yet, since last year I just had my baby and wasn't really comfortable with the idea of ice skating in that condition. However, I am planning on going this year and when I do I will definitely post photos. Until then I will post the photos that are available on their website just to give you an idea.
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On 11/23/13, The Landing is scheduled to have the local tree lighting ceremony. There will singing by local school kids, reindeer, and the Santa Train. 
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