Recreation is the city's forte

By GIL BAILEY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

The city's most popular spaces are devoted to recreation.

Mountlake Terrace is proud of its parks and athletic fields, and has one of the best park and recreational systems in the area.

Park facilities range from a small park surrounding three water towers at the city's highest point to Lake Ballinger, which is shared with Edmonds. The lake is flanked by golf courses, including one owned by the city. A boat ramp -- posted with signs declaring "No internal combustion engines allowed" -- and a fishing pier give access to the lake, surrounded by grassy fields and trees.

On a nice summer day, the park "really fills up and people line up with boats to get in the water," says Wendy Barry, director of parks and recreation.

Residents and visitors alike also flock to the city's recreational pavilion, with a huge swimming pool, racquetball courts, weight room, preschool facility and newly renovated locker rooms.

"We had 500,000 visits last year in our recreational pavilion," Barry says. "It serves a regional function and is one of the busiest, if not the busiest, in the state."

Built in 1968, the pavilion is adjacent to outdoor playing fields, tennis courts and a park.

George Goddard, 78, of Lake Forest Park is a frequent visitor to the pavilion. "You get to know a lot of people," he says as he makes his way to the weight room. "I don't know anyplace that has a nicer pool."

Tina Lapham of Edmonds laughs as she watches 3-1/2-year-old daughter Megan take her first swimming lesson.

"She'll be getting lessons twice a week," says Lapham, holding 9-month-old Elizabeth. "I used to swim here when I was on the high school swim team."