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Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
44 reviews for Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
44 reviews in English
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Review from Jane A.
1/18/2012
#1 BBQ SPOT IN THE AREA
(4 stars)
The one thing I miss about Washington... ARE THE SUMMERS. And the BBQ parties at Coulan Beach. It aint a real beach, nothing close to a beach, but this was and (as i hear) still is the spot when we get those humid 95+ degree days.
- Parking, sucks
- Place to BBQ, many
- Water, i wouldn't swim in it
I miss the BBQ parties and coming here and jumping from one BBQ party to another. That's the thing about 206, the community and the 2 degree separation. Had so many fond memories here from coming here at 4AM after clubbing and just kicking it with the homies, having our own BBQ sessions back in the 90's and early 2000's that last all day and night.
Friends owning condos around the area and the place definately has changed since my time here. But heard Coulon is still coulon but with a facelift!
Will I be back? Gonna make a trip up this summer to rekindle with them BBQ parties i been missing out since I moved away
JABA APPROVED... Until the next review -
Review from Jenna D.
Seattle, WA
12/14/2011
Pretty cool park! Another gem that I didn't discover until this year! The beach is nice-ish. There are some grassy areas, tennis courts, a big playground, and covered areas, as well as lots of picnic tables. A nice place to bring the family.
Watch out for dog landmines though! -
Review from Elizabeth R.
Seattle, WA
9/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This park had definitely changed and cleaned up from when I used to go here when I was a kid. Especially further down the beach, where there are more picnic shelters and you have Kid Valley and Ivar's. It's definitely a nice place to enjoy a lakeview during the summertime.
The only disappointing part is the parking. If you don't go here early enough in the day, you can guarantee walking a couple of blocks, like to The Landing just to park and enjoy going to the park. -
Review from Sandie L.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Growing up in Renton I have seen many faces of this park... and I am happy to report that I really like its face now!
It used to be filled with geese and geese poop, but no more! No dogs even on a lesh are allowed at this park, so park your pooch at home. But, you will find many people walking, fishing, boating, picnicing and laying in the sun.
I like this park for a closeby quick mild walk. It has nice paths for walking or running. -
Review from Dan S.
Bothell, WA
2/22/2011
Huh. I didn't realize until I read other reviews that they don't allow dogs at this park. I was going to give them 4 stars, but I have a Yelp rule that states:
"Any location that does outright prohibit dogs shall be granted one extra star"
5 stars it is!
Coulon is a nice park, lots of good areas to walk, very well kept-up, couple decent places to eat (Kidd Valley, Ivar's). Of course, since it's nice everyone flocks there in decent or nice weather, so it gets to be a real zoo (ironic since they don't allow dogs). If you can hit this spot during some non-peak hours then definitely do so. Great photography opportunities abound as well. -
Review from Inna B.
Seattle, WA
10/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
It was a little bit rainy that day, but we decided we needed to go for a walk anyway. We were in Renton and Gene Coulon ended up being the most convenient option.
Are you looking for a waterfront park where you can a take a stroll?
Are you interested in grabbing some Kidd Valley or Ivar's food?
Are you looking for a park with a playground?
You could find all of the above at Gene Coulon!
If you're looking for a more wild and less controlled/manicured park, however, you might want to go elsewhere.Listed in: Outdoorsy Goodness
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Review from Faye A.
Great park! :D I like to come here and unwind especially on sunny days. The park is huge and clean. I even spot little bunnies hiding in the bushes and beavers swimming in the lake. There was a live band playing outside one time. Parking is a b!tch sometimes but thats really the only bad thing.
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Review from nam n.
6/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
this place has really came around in the past couple of years. i'd say close to 7 or 8 years ago this was one of the places i despised to go the most of all beaches in the greater seattle area. always filled with geese and a sickly amount of poo - grass wasn't even green!
now that its all cleaned up - its nice to see people back at the park playing volleyball and throwing bbqs on sunny days. its a big enough park for multiple groups and parties without feeling crowded. they also have two tennis courts, sand pit for volleyball, a full playground, bird sanctuary, swimming area, and even horse shoes!
there's also a boat launch, ivar's, kid valley, and a nice little outdoor eating area as well as a 3/4 mile path which makes for a good run or stroll on a nice day. -
Review from Cheryl R.
5/2/2011
Had out of town guests and were planning a "movie date" in Renton, but had some time to kill beforehand, so drove over to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park for some lunch at Ivar's and then walked my 4 year old over to the playground. WOW! What a great playscape/beach area. Will definitely be back on a nicer weather day!
Listed in: Kids Stuff
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Review from Jess b.
Renton, WA
9/12/2010
Great park!!
Big playground, nice for taking walks/runs, BBQ in the summer or birthday parties :). The food there is OK. The parking is horrible during the summer or nice weather. -
Review from Beau S.
6/25/2011 45 Check-ins Here
It is a really nice park and it is very clean. Other than all the gnats and spiderwebs. It is great place just for a walk. I don't have a dog but I kinda wish they allowed animals and just had non animal sections. I wish they kept the bums out a little better though. But, overall the view with the hilly grass on the water is great.
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Review from Sarah R.
4/16/2009
Thanks to a nice guy working at a Renton Blockbuster.. My friend and I got to walk around this park today. We stopped in after eating lunch to find out if there were any parks near there and he recommended this one.
We saw turtles, ducks, a bunny, and a squirrel. If you ask me, that's a damn good day.
We saw pretty nice volleyball and tennis courts.. but we just went to walk around the beautiful lake today.
I will go back to check out everything else this park has to offer.
Thank you random Blockbuster guy!
Wait... Just thought of something I don't like - Dogs aren't allowed in this park. But I will continue going there until I get a pup. -
Review from Brian C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/7/2009
Once upon a time, after calling in sick to work, a boy in his mid teens was ushered into manhood late in the pale moonlight in the parking lot at the Coulon Park in the back seat of the family van.
And was also caught in the act in that same parking lot in the back seat of his girlfriend's car by the police a couple weeks later.
He lived happily ever after. -
Review from Alvin N.
I think this is Renton's Best Park. Located in the South End of Lake Washington.
One third of the park is Activity Oriented...boat launches and rentals, a parking marina, fishing, swimming, tennis, and picnicking. The remaining two-thirds offer quieter, more isolated moments through walking and jogging trails, nature trails, and even a revitalized salmon stream.
Theres an Ivars, Kid Valley & OPA BEPPO'S Coffee for those
Cravings. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is just too CooL.
-Minus One Star for Not being Pet Friendly =/Listed in: Renton, Yelped by me =D
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Review from Stacey P.
10/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I find Coulon Park a great place for an early morning walk or a twilight stroll. I avoid it on sunny, warm days as people flock to it with their boats in tow reveling in the sun and snatching up parking places at reckless abandon. But when the weather dips below 80 degrees and it is slightly overcast the park is a tranquil location.
There are BBQ spots, a swimming area (good to know in case you wish to watch or participate in the madness on January 1st's polar bear dip), an Ivar's, and a Kidd Valley. I enjoy how it is lit up for Christmas and equally enjoy the madness Fourth of July offers with a great firework display, music, and other entertainment. King County has beautiful parks, this one is worth checking out. -
Review from Amy B.
3/29/2007
You would be hard pressed to find a better view than Gene Coulon Park. The beautiful 1.5 mile paved waterfront walkway is amazing - a fantastic place for a jog or a walk in the summer. It also makes for some amazing sunset photographs!
The park boasts several shelters with BBQ areas - these always seem to be booked months in advance in the summers and are often used for family reunions.
The beach is staffed with friendly and well-trained lifeguards in the summer. While the beach isn't huge and the sand isn't exactly like Kauai - for a Washington kid, it isn't bad! The past several summers, the park has had problems keeping the beach sanitary (lots of swimmers itch).
The City of Renton has lots of great festivals here - the Fourth of July Fireworks are great. The park isn't so crowded that its overwhelming - but its busy enough that its still fun! The Clam Lights and Christmas Ships also visit in the winter!
About a year ago the City put in a new play structure for kids - they seem to like it! The park also boasts other amenities - horseshoes, volleyball, fishing, restaurants, boating, tennis courts, etc...Listed in: Renton Lovin'
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Review from Maria Cristina B.
Renton, WA
7/22/2007
The only reason I give them four star and not five is because the duck poop, which is really not their fault but yucky when you play football on the grass.
Other then that the park is amazing. The play equipment is top notch and there is a small beach for kids to swim and play in the sand. (they have life guards in the summer). The boat launch is huge, although I hate to tell anyone cause the lines are already to long in the summer weekend days. And you can have a burger at Kid Valley or Fish at Ivars. It's a fun day spot for the family.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Alaina W.
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
oh, washington. you and your "beaches."
if you're not looking for a place to swim, it's a fantastic park.
you can jog. you can read. you can sunbathe. you can eat greasy, delicious fish & chips. you can eat greasy, delicious burgers. (and shakes!) you can play volleyball. you can dock your boat. you can launch your boat. you can stroll around the clamlights at christmastime. you can watch fireworks in july. you can see turtles. you can feel like a cool teenager. you can reminisce on the days when payphones were necessary.
minus half a star for no dogs. minus half the other star for the craptastic parking situations that people choose to get themselves into during the "on" season. -
Review from Mel S.
Mountain View, CA
7/31/2007
Coulon is the 'beach' to the South side folks, I spent many summers here and it's place for the locals to hang out all day. It's gotten popular over the years and parking has become very challenging to say the least on weekends and in the summer time.
This beach offers a BBQ area, volleyball, tennis courts, fishing, and boating area. There is also a small patch of sand to lay out.
And for food, Ivars Seafood Bar & Kidd Valley is there! -
Review from Kathie s.
4/17/2011 2 photos
I have been on a park binge lately, and honestly even though I am a native am finding parks that I have not been to for a while or never .What a great Journey. Coulon Beach park was no different. Hard to say that it was a cold crisp APRIL day, but the park offered tons of options, volleyball, tennis, kiddie park, BBQ area Fun! The rating should be 3.5. City of Renton needs to correct the "No dog" rule.....does not make any sense at all.
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Review from mike b.
Southlake, TX
12/27/2007
Pretty well covered by the others.
Can only add: Check out the holiday "Clam Lights" in Dec.
City does a nice job dressing up the trees and the docks for a nice, crisp, early winter stroll -
Review from Roz G.
Auburn, WA
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great park!!! It is family friendly and equip with several activity structures (play park, basketball court, volleyball court, etc...) to keep the kids busy. My favorite is the beach on warmer days. The park is clean and most importantly.... The bathrooms are pretty decent.
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Review from Trish J.
Renton, WA
Updated - 7/3/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This park is gorgeous. Yes, I would not go swim near the duck poo but I will take my niece/nephew to the kiddie park. Walk over the foot bridge, past the boat launch and head over to Kidd Valley for strawberry and vanilla milkshakes. I love Ivar's pink clam chowder. YUM. This park has plenty of trails to get your jog on or lay in the grass like broccoli.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/5/2009
Its a beautiful park outside of the Goose droppings. Many miles of trails to tire out the kiddies,… Read more »
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Review from steve c.
Denver, CO
9/15/2008
5 stars for sure! (I don't own a dog, for those of you who comment on the non-friendliness to our shaggy friends)
Coulon Park is beautiful. It's located right on the water's edge and can be enjoyed by boaters, kids, adults, and swimmers. AND, as mentioned, it's not overly crowded (I was there yesterday on one of the nicest days of the year-not jam packed).
Yes, the ducks do poop there (they haven't been built a restroom yet) and apparently dogs aren't welcome (I'm sure their bite is not welcomed by the kiddies or their parents), but this is a picturesque, serene spot to enjoy an afternoon! -
Review from Megan L.
Renton, WA
2/10/2009
Cool little park for the family folk. I saw a lot of moms and their kids socializing at the jungle gym area and there are plenty of picnic benches.
We walked along the wooden walkway and looked around at the strange looking birds picking at the grass. Took some pictures and noticed that during warmer weather, they allow swimming in the not-so-clear water. They have life guard chairs and a little area blocked off.
After 15 minutes, we were too cold and ran out of things to look at. -
Review from Julian H.
Seattle, WA
8/12/2009
Easy location, a variety of landscapes (including a pathway that winds through an nterpretive botanical walk), concessions, and nice views make this park stand out.
It's Renton, so the people-watching can be fun, too. -
Review from The-Hoa H.
Bellevue, WA
12/11/2010
Great place to put an Ivars restaurant! I really liked their salmon bacon soup. Although the prices are kind of high it is still worth it because of the location. I love to go to coulon for a nice walk on the beach and some good food at Ivars and kidd valley
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Review from Katie K.
Kalamazoo, MI
1/17/2009
This is my favorite park in the WORLD! I've been going here since I was in the womb. The views of Lake Washington are beautiful. It runs along the southeastern portion of Lake Washington.
You can fish, play on the playground, BBQ, swim, walk the docks, look for rabbits, play tennis and/or volleyball, eat at Ivars or Kid Valley which are convenintly located within the park. You can also launch your boat from here.
I always look forward to going to Gene Coulon Park. -
Review from Bonnie G.
Seattle, WA
4/4/2007
This is one of the best parks around for kids. The play equipment is awesome! My kids could play for hours and hours. The beach is right next to the play equipment AND it has an Ivar's and Kidd Valley so lunch is taken care of. We could spend an entire day at Coulon Park. Love it!
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Review from Jennifer S.
Renton, WA
11/7/2008
Honestly, I have done a lot of depraved things here in my youth, but now as a semi-adult I am able to enjoy it on a more responsible level. Don't expect to find parking here on a warm Saturday. My mom took us here when I was about 8 and some little girl got her foot poked by a hypodermic needle in the swimming area, so be careful (see the depraved comment.) There is a nice path along the water and plenty of cool things for kids to play with here. Whenever I am feeling melancholy and emo I come here to reflect. It helps.
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Review from Dave C.
Renton, WA
7/29/2008
High-end fast food meets 1st Class beach/park and walking paths. Just a couple blocks from Fry's or the huge 737 Boeing building is a rejuveniated city park called COULON PARK. Besides the boat launching/parking and very nice play area for the toddlers, they have a "lifeguard present" beach for swimming in Lake Washington. There are plenty of covered areas with fire-pits and room for groups of 20+...but the biggest suprise is the presence of Kidd Valley Burgers and IVAR's Seafood. This is the best of both worlds - Acess to great wallkings paths and decent fast food. I like the Scallops w/o fries and chowder. Kidd Valley sells hundreds of their famous milkshakes on warm days. This is next to Paul Allen's new developement and worth more than one stop this summer. ENJOY.
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Review from Douglas C.
Orchard Park, NY
7/13/2008
Just confirms why I hate Renton so much. Drove here from our house in the highlands with my pup and pregnant wife in tow only to have to turn around because they don't allow dogs...in a public park.
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Review from Pamela H.
Georgetown, Seattle, WA
3/28/2010
Can't touch Seward Park but it's still a nice place to escape. Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed so until Renton City Council gets its head out of its arse I won't be returning. Oh, and thank you so much crazy lady in the white jacket for pointing out that dogs aren't allowed and then calling Animal Control on me. I honestly thought the sign (which was next to the grassy area) meant that dogs weren't allowed in the grass. Anyway, I particularly enjoyed the fact that Animal Control seemed embarrassed to ask me to leave and dismissed you.....even though you continued to follow me and my dog to our car while snapping photos of us. Even so, we had a wonderful walk, the water was gorgeous and the ducks were plentiful.
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Review from Steve D.
Seattle, WA
9/6/2008
This place is quite the place for a barbecue if you live in the southend. Coulon park has a place for swimming, fishing, and a few eateries around it. If you live southside, Coulon is pretty easy to find in Renton...
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Review from nate j.
5/28/2007
FREE SeaFair fun at Coulon Park -- a couple hours after the hydro races end this summer (or also 4th of July festivities) plant yourself on a bench by the boat launch with a video camera and you will have the opportunity to capture plenty of videos for YouTube or America's Funniest Home Videos. A tip: look for boats without hull numbers -- these boats are new and have many first time boat owners at the helm.
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Review from Benjamin T.
Seattle, WA
7/12/2010
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is a fairly good park to relax in aside from the crowding and traffic problems that can come up when the park gets overly full of people. The excess amount of goose, pigeon, sea gull and duck turds that can be seen at primarily the South side of Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park but that situation pretty easy to avoid by choosing to either not go near the dry ground that is next to the swim area or by bringing a few good sized beach towels to hang out on while there and tolerating the rest of what lays on the ground around you. To me whats great about Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is that it has a swim area and great views of Lake Washington.
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Review from Josh F.
Seattle, WA
6/5/2008
Very nice walking area. not sure about the other parts (food offerings are terrible (Ivars and kid valley)
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Review from Ashley D.
Bothell, WA
8/15/2009
Ughh...this park is so amazing but WHYYYY are dogs not allowed!? We live across the street and don't go down very often, simply because we can't have our dog there. I don't get it! Everything else is awesome, it's a huge, well-kept place with great restaurants. I love the boat launch but I do think the $8 parking is a bit much. This park is truly great and deserves 5 stars...when they start allowing dogs.
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Review from Ken L.
One of my favorite parks to visit and do some jogging. The view is amazing and is always clean. The park has some launching pads for boats and it is fun to hang out here on a sunny day and take in some sun and fun! A plus includes the Ivar's there and some burger place when you get hungry.
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Review from Chris H.
Maple Valley, WA
4/23/2011
Great park, with great amenities. On a nice day, it is tough to beat. Ivars and Kidd valley burgers are a grat place to grab something to eat. As mentioned previously, parking is a major issue, but no dogs is a bonus.
