Finding Fido-friendly parks and trails can be a challenge in any urban environment. But lucky Newcastle residents have Lake Boren Park nearby to let their pooches run freely. More of a large pond than, say, Lake Washington, Lake Boren is stocked with cutthroat trout and the perfect place to go for neophyte anglers looking to hook some easy prey from the pier. A children’s play area is covered in soft bark mulch to cushion the odd fall, and picnic shelters (reservations recommended) can accommodate large groups. A paved walking path, suitable for people with disabilities, winds in a big figure 8 around the perimeter of the park and connects to other trails in the region. There are nets for beach volleyball, hoops for basketball, two tennis courts and a spacious, grassy area for tossing a Frisbee or football. Gardeners love the colorful fuchsia test garden
During the summer, Lake Boren Community Park becomes the unofficial center of Newcastle. You’ll see many familiar local faces at special events like outdoor movie nights, Newcastle Days, 4th of July fireworks and the free weekly concert series.
Mostly, though, Newcastle residents just appreciate the manicured, open spaces that lie just a few minutes off Coal Creek Parkway.