Cowen Park

Elite '08

6

63

Nic B.

Seattle, WA

The creek, the ferns, the aforementioned medieval enthusiasts - this place is great.  More secluded and less crowed than Greenlake, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.  Although it may be a bit of a teen hangout I always see quite a few families with kids making the rounds here as well.    All in all its a pretty cool park in a pretty cool neighborhood.

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34

37

Faith H.

Seattle, WA

This is a beautiful park in the middle of the bustling city - ok ok, a bustling Ravenna?! whatever...the point is I do love strolling through this park after work. Actually, I am always with Zoe the energetic pit bull, so it is usually a power walk verging on a run. This park seems endless and I almost feel like there is a new track every time I visit it, which is usually three times a week. When you get into the deep dark woods it is easy to forget how close you are to civilization - yes, just the way I like it.  

This park is definitely 5 star worthy, however I felt compelled to remove one star because of the numerous dog folk that frequent this park thinking it is an off leash park. Hello people, do you see the signs? Keep your dogs on a leash - please! Hey, I'm really not a party pooper and I do love dogs, but I don't want strange dogs approaching me when I have no idea how they will react to my dog, which is another reason why I refuse to take Zoe to off-leash parks. Yes, call me an over-protective mum, but the way I see it my role is to protect my child (I mean dog) from harms way.

Enough ranting about my pet peeve! It's a great park for people, dogs and children as it has something for everyone...and I may notice the odd homeless person but I have never felt like they are invading the park. Of course, you should use common sense and I wouldn't suggest walking through the trails after dark, it is way too dark for me, especially being that 'I am a day person'! (awesome quote from Elaine for those Seinfeld fans out there).
.

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7

32

Lisa D.

Seattle, WA

Some of my friends are the ones who dress up in battle gear and run around this park whacking each other with foam swords.  It's great fun to watch and the park is a beautiful setting to watch it in.  It has a couple of smaller parking areas and a first come, first use barbecue grill pit and picnic tables, and public restrooms by the picnic area.  Some graffiti (lots  on the underside of the bridges) but surprisingly little trash. Lately it seems the maintenance has improved.

The ravine trail that runs from Cowen to Ravenna parks is a wonderful place for a jog or a stroll.  The only sounds you hear are the birds, the stream, and occasionally your fellow nature lovers.  It is quiet, peaceful and MUCH less crowded than Green Lake, so keep it mum. ;)

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23

44

Brent A.

Seattle, WA

This review is actually for the ravine walk that connects Cowen Park to Ravenna Park. Start off at Cowen park (a block or two east of Whole Foods) and head towards the far corner. You will come to a wonderful trail that leads you for half a mile along a babbling creek, through a wooded ravine, winding it's way toward Ravenna Park. In the summer, you may pass neighborhood kids in improvised medieval battle garb. It's a nice and unexpected escape from the bustling city and it's right under your nose.

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40

593

Robyn H.

Seattle, WA

Green, grassy play fields and picnic areas are a great place to sunbathe when the sun comes out.  Groups of gangbanger wannabes hanging out near the ShelterHouse and the occasional homeless person wandering out of the woods make for a slightly less relaxing place than it could be.

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Elite '08

307

798

Maria C.

Seattle, WA

I agree with Robyn. This could be a green, cozy neighborhood park but families don't seem to use it much. A few years ago my kids' daycamp used it as a gathering spot at the beginning of the day, but they didn't stay. This is the kind of teen hangout place I wouldn't let my teens near.

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