Festival in the Park (school)

I have a long history with the town of Cosmopolis that goes back to childhood.  The city, and my parents of course, raised me.  I feel like an old soul that has been living in Cosi since the days when Neil Cooney built the first sawmill.  Maybe the reason for this is my mothers stories that she shares with me about her days as a Cosi termite (yes that really was the mascot!) Or how she could walk from one end of town to the other using only the alley ways.  Mill Creek park was always in these stories as well.  How her and her friends would swim in the pool that formed below the dam.  Well the dam has since broke and while the park is still there the festival that always culminated at the end of summer below the shady trees of the park has moved to the elementary school that so many cosi-ites know and love to this day.

Come out on Sunday the 9th and check out the booths, games and food.  The sense of community is rich and deep and the Lions Club burgers will keep you full!

Al Fresco is in at Lake Aberdeen

My husband and 3 year old daughter enjoy
our first picnic of the season at Lake Aberdeen

My family and I took advantage of the nice weather we had last weekend and used the opportunity to break out the picnic basket for our first family picnic of the season. When deciding where to enjoy the sunny afternoon my husband suggested Lake Aberdeen and I'll admit I forgot they had revamped the Lake of my youth last year. Of course it's always at the forefront of his mind, because he's a fisherman and the hatchery is always an attraction he enjoys.

The new playscape integrates seamlessly
into the natural park setting.

It ended up being the perfect lunch spot and I have to wonder how many other harborites may not realize that, with its face lift complete, these days Lake Aberdeen is a beautiful recreation area that still features all of the same classic outdoor activities. There's still the "H" shaped dock that outlines the gravel-beached swimming area, the aforementioned hatchery to explore, the boat launch, the stocked fish, the eagles soaring above the stocked water and the countless newts to catch. But there's also a brand new, "natural rock" facade playscape for kids, fresh picnic structures and a lush green grass lawn that will most likely make you resentful of your own lawn.

View of the manicured picnic area from the dock. My daughter
(bottom right corner) peers curiously into the water.

If you've never been before, here is Google Maps to tell you all about how to get there (visually). The exit that will get you there is right across from LeMay in Central park if you're looking for a landmark.

View Larger Map

National Park Week 2012

It's a place to walk the dog, to have a picnic, to play outside and spend time with your kids, your family or just by yourself with a book, a fishing pole or a pair of running shoes.  (except for the kids part... sounds like many of my springs and summers here on the harbor!)

Photo courtesy of Nationalparks.org

National Park Week 2012 starts this, yes I repeat THIS, weekend April 21 and runs through the 29th.  Lucky Grays Harborites have so many parks to choose from, you could visit one a day and it would still take you more than a month to visit them all. 

State parks that usually require a Discover Pass are free all week.  Great news for those of us (ie: ME) who have not taken the short amount of time required to buy the $30 pass when we renew our tabs.

Even if the weather isn't the best, (which it is supposed to be sunny this weekend), our areas 9 state parks, 9 wildlife conservations, and the national park are still great places to visit in the drizzle and fog.  The natural beauty of each park is breathtaking no matter the weather.

Not to mention the hundreds of local city and township parks that are sprinkled in and around our homes and workplaces. 

A few years ago, my mom and I took advantage of one of the many National Park Weeks held throughout the year and hiked our local parks.  It not only felt great to be outside but it made me appreciate the beauty of the area so much more. 

A few suggestions for your exploration week:  If you happen to be headed out to the beach check out Griffiths-Priday, Bottle Beach, and Westport Light.

My personal favorites are Lake Sylvia and Friends Landing in Montesano.  But don't forget about Makarenko Memorial  Park in Cosmopolis.  The memorial park has trails that are perfect for running and soccer fields that are great for a quick pick up game! 

Heading to East County?  Shaffer State Park is beautiful and free this week!

I could continue to tell you about all the local parks we have, and the list would be long, but what I really want you all to do is to Picture yourself Outside!