The Lake by the Freeway, Wapato Lake-Tacoma
by Lauren Lenore on 01/30/09 at 10:59 pm
I’ve been to the drive thru Starbucks next to Wapato Lake about one hundred times but never really bothered to stop and take a look. Well today it actually happened to be sunny, so I figured it was a good a time as ever to get a little fresh air. Wapato Lake Park is gigantic, with a beautiful lake right in the middle. Since it was just me, I decided to take the long walk around the perimeter.
Unfortunately, Wapato Lake has recently received some bad press because the lake is polluted. You still cannot swim or fish in the lake for health reasons. Somehow the lake still looks beautiful, and you can even walk onto the pier to take a closer look.
The park also provides a covered picnic area, and plentiful parking. On the other side of the lake you will find a large playground, baseball fields, and lots of bird feeding. It’s really fun to watch all the geese, ducks and seagulls fight for the breadcrumbs.
I actually would feel pretty safe being at this park at all times of day, as the police station is right next to the parking lot. Jogging the sometimes woodsy trails seemed quite secure. And it’s definitely a lovely place to either walk, jog or run. Hopefully the lake will be cleaned up soon so people can enjoy the water as well!
Address:
6500 S Sheridan Ave.
