Thursday, June 9, 2016

Kitsap Kids Playground / Castle Park


Even though Kitsap Kids Playground isn't technically a park, it is an awesome playground I believe should definitely be added to this list. It is located at 1200 NW Fairgrounds Rd, Bremerton, Wa 98311. Often called castle park, this playground is indeed Medieval in style. I personally love this park even though your resources with it are a bit limited.

This playground is really just that, a playground. There aren't any fields close by so it would probably be best to leave the Frisbee at home, but you shouldn't have any problem entertaining your kids because the park itself is simply huge! I counted at least three large slides and there are two separate swing sets that include tire swings! The biggest attraction is the sheer mass of places to run, hide, jump off of, and climb onto. I remember many summer days when I was young that were spent playing lava monster in this vast playground heaven. The best part is that all areas are adult accessible too, making it one of the best parks for you to be able to play WITH your kids.

Around every corner there are surprises to be found too. There are hidden boats with steering wheels perfect for your kids imagination to take hold as they steer their mighty vessel into the eye of a storm, and I even found a tic-tac- toe board hidden around an unsuspecting corner. One thing that makes this park special is that they have special musical instruments for everyone to use. There is a large xylophone, calliopie, and a tube instrument that makes beautiful music when you smack the tops of the tubes.

Another feature that I like a lot is that there are really two playgrounds wrapped up into one. Three-quarters of the park are generally meant to be used by children that are a bit larger and much more energetic, but on the far left hand side a smaller playground meant for little ones takes up the last quarter. This smaller area has a swing set of its very own with bucket seats for the littlest ones. It also holds a covered area with four picnic tables that is perfect for eating lunch or for moms to just sit and talk while their children explore their imaginations.

Now for the downsides of this park. The facilities are not that great...in fact they are almost non-existent. When I visited the park there was only one port-a-potty available when nature calls, and I didn't have the stomach to see if it was well taken care of or not. Secondly the playground is ALL wood. Every structure is mostly made of wood and there is beauty bark as a ground cover so be prepared for slivers. Thirdly they are currently doing construction on a small part of the playground to replace some rotten boards for everyone's safety. The damage didn't look too extensive so I expect it to be repaired soon, and it really only takes away a small part of the park.
Even though there isn't much else there at the park itself, there are plenty of other things you can do at the fairgrounds or the adjacent Olympic High School. Here are just a few suggestions:

  1. Play tennis at one of the adjacent courts.
  2. Take in a Kitsap Bluejackets baseball game. You can find their schedule here http://www.bluejacketbaseball.com/2016-schedule/
  3. Go swimming at Olympic High School's swimming pool. You can find information about their open swim dates here http://www.ckschools.org/community/olympic_swim_center
  4. Watch a soccer game at Gordon fields, or Olympic High's Soccer fields on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
  5. Go watch Kitsap County's famous Destruction Derby! Especially great if you have little monster truck lovers in your house. You can find the schedule here http://kitsapdestructionderby.com/
  6. Visit or participate in the annual Kitsap County Fair. This year it is held August 24th-28th. Find more information about the fair here http://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Fairgrounds/Pages/Fair_Stampede.htm
    And find out more information about being a part of the fair and exhibitions here http://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Fairgrounds/Pages/Exhibition_Guides.htm

So overall about this park,

List of things to bring with you:
  • Picnic lunch
  • Your imagination
  • A small first aid kit for slivers and scrapes
  • Play clothes
  • An empty bladder
And to rate this park: 

Facilities--✪
Play ground--✪✪✪✪✪!!!
Open Space--✪✪
Views--✪✪

This playground is great for entertaining kids, but not a lot is available for adults. Be sure to take advantage of the playground in addition to another close by activity and I can guarantee a wonderful day.  Overall rating--✪✪✪✪

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