Ballinger Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ballinger Park is a popular and well-maintained park located in the city of Mountlake Terrace, Washington.


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Summary

There are several reasons to visit Ballinger Park, including its stunning natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and family-friendly amenities.

One of the main draws of the park is its large lake, which is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and other watercraft from the park's rental facility, and there are several picnic areas and barbecue grills scattered throughout the park.

In addition to its aquatic offerings, Ballinger Park also boasts several sports fields, including soccer and baseball fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts. The park's walking trails are also popular among visitors, offering scenic views of the surrounding forests and wetlands.

Some specific points of interest within Ballinger Park include the Bill Ballinger Memorial Skate Park, which is a popular spot for skateboarders and BMX riders, as well as the Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center, which offers a range of programs and activities for older adults.

For history buffs, the park is also home to the Mountlake Terrace History Walk, which features a series of plaques detailing the city's past.

Interesting facts about the park include its origins as a landfill, which was converted into a park in the 1970s. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, herons, and beavers.

The best time of year to visit Ballinger Park depends on individual preferences. Summer is the busiest season, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities. However, spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for those looking for a quieter experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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