Welcome!
I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted an installment of Outings!. Between the house drama and the incredibly AWFUL weather we’ve been having, it just wasn’t possible to get outdoors.
But today, all that changed. Was the weather nice? No, not especially. But it was above 50º and only misting, so we made a point to get out of the house.
Woodmansee Park
A sprawling 30 acres, Woodmansee Park has a little bit of everything. Reservable picnic structure, full soccer field, a 9-Hole disc golf course, children’s playground equipment, two tennis courts, a basketball court, ample woodland trails, and full restrooms!
It’s tucked back off a busier side road, but with so many trees and wide open spaces, you would never guess you’re in the crux of a major thoroughfare. A mix of white oak and douglas fir trees flank a spur of Pringle Creek, bringing a serenity to the wooded section of the park that is reminiscent of more remote walks or hikes.
It is officially mud season here in Oregon, so I’ll be forgiving of the trail conditions at the park. Right now, there are only a couple of trails that are maintained with bark dust. The rest are just a mish-mash, winding jigsaw maze of mud. We LOVED it! Unfortunately we didn’t get to experience the entirety of the paths because there were several people enjoying the park with their off-leash dogs (*grumble grumble*).
Stats & Specs:
This is the part where I break down the park by the numbers!
Park Specs:
- Distance: .75 miles, though we didn’t do the entire outer loop. You could easily get a mile walk in if you did all the trails.
- Elevation Gain: None.
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Environment: This parks runs the gammut of environs. There are two fields for various sports, the disc golf course starts at the end of one field and wends it way through the woods and back around. There’s the aforementioned woods with its creek and bridge. There’s the ADA accessible playground, with nearby picnic tables and restrooms. So, really, this one is fielder’s choice. What sort of experience do you want? Because Woodmansee Park can, and will, deliver.
- Condition: Surprisingly good, given the weather. There was hardly any trash at all, and no abandoned piles of dog dookie. As I said earlier, the trails were a little rough, but ’tis the season. The tennis courts and paved walkways are brand new, installed last year, and they are pristine. We didn’t use the restrooms, so I can’t vouch for those, but we saw a city truck pull in as we were leaving, so it’s clear that the park is well-maintained.
- Popularity: Very popular. There were at least three different groups there to play disc golf this morning, as well as several dog-walkers and general strollers like us. It was early, cool, and damp, so there weren’t any kids on the playground, but the sweater hanging from the monkey bars was a testament to yesterday’s activity. Be prepared to share your space if you intend to visit.
- Uses: So. Many. A multitude of sports are playable here, family gatherings and picnics too. Walking, kiddo time in the playground. It’s all doable.
My Stats:
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Pace: 26’50”
- Average Heart Rate: 109 BPM
- Max Heart Rate: 132 BPM
- Active Zone Minutes: 6 Zone Minutes
- Steps: 1,698
- Calories Burned: 143
My Gear:
- Mystery Columbia Pullover with Throat Zipper in Black Heather
- Adidas GalaxyTrail Trail Runners
- Fleece-lined leggings, black
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College beanie, black
Trevor’s Gear:
- Jets Pullover Hoodie
- Costco Sweat Pants
- Slip on Vans
Simon’s Gear:
- RuffWear Front Range Dog Harness, in Aurora Teal
- RuffWear Knot-a-Leash Rope dog leash, in Aurora Teal
The Verdict
There’s a lot to like here. Realistically, it’s hard for me not to give this park 5 stars, but decided that it didn’t quite wow me enough, and enough folks were wandering around with their dogs off-leash that I could dock it half a point.
Hands-down, best park we’ve been to! It has everything, and I can’t wait for the dryer months so I can play some tennis on those new courts.
Lots of good sniffs, but there were lots of people and dogs and it still wasn’t long enough.
Honestly, this is an awesome park. Once things have dried out a bit, we’ll definitely be back to enjoy it.
That's All, Folks!
We did it! We got all the way to the end of the second blog post of this week! If that doesn’t feel like a return to normal, I don’t know what does.
I won’t be back again this week (barring something utterly brilliant happening). I’ve got a busy work week and I’m spending Saturday at the Terroir Creative Writing Festival. Hopefully I’ll see you there!
So, until Monday Bloggos!
BZ
