Cheryl@CherylSteffen.com
A well-maintained park system is important to our quality of life on Anderson Island. Besides preserving open space as habitat for wildlife and greenbelt for visual enjoyment, the Anderson Island Park & Recreation District provides recreational opportunities ranging from nature trails to swimming and athletics.
All parks are open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., year-round. Horses are not allowed in the parks. Dogs on leashes are welcome at Jane Cammon Park and without their leashes at the Andy's Wildlife Park off-leash dog park. Out of consideration to your fellow Islanders, please scoop if required.
Andy's Wildlife Park
Andy's Wildlife Park encompasses 170 acres of wetlands, tidal estuary, and forest just south of Sandberg Road. There is an extensive trail system for hikers, and the parking lot on Eckenstam-Johnson Road is a short walk from a small picnic area on the banks of Schoolhouse Creek.The nature trail is about a 2-mile loop. An off-leash dog area is located at the west side of the park, off of Sandberg Road. A donation from Delbert and Janice Deweyert will allow us to construct a walking trail between this park and the Andrew Anderson Marine Park.
Andrew Anderson Marine Park
The core of the park was the gift of Andrew Anderson (1895-1975), a true visionary concerning the preservation of the way of life we cherish on this island. The trail winds through a heavily wooded area with many native plants and trees, including some enormous Douglas firs, featuring gorgeous views and ¾ mile of public beach with driftwood, shells, and rocks. There is a beautiful inlet that is a salmon nursery area. Parking area and beginning of trail to beach is on Clausen Road. 21 acres were added on the north end of this park in 2008 courtesy of a Conservation Futures grant with the support of Cascade Land Conservancy.
Jane Cammon Park
This field and trail comprises 40 acres and is the site of Anderson Island Elementary School, Russ Cammon Ballfield, a covered play area, and the Jane Cammon Walking and Bicycle Trail. Dogs on leashes are permitted; scooping required.
The Old Schoolhouse (Wide-Awake Hollow)
The Old Schoolhouse was donated by the Anderson Island School District prior to its dissolution in 1968. The park includes Wide Awake Hollow, the oldest one-room schoolhouse in Pierce County,several out-buildings, and a tennis court. The Old Schoolhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently used primarily as an exercise facility. The building was recently restored and a foundation constructed with a matching grant from Pierce County.
Tom White Park
Approximately five acres across the road from the Old Schoolhouse were dedicated in 2005 to honor the memory of Tom White and his years of devoted service as Park Contractor. In the spring, when you see daffodils along the roadside and in residents' gardens, you might be right in wondering if these were planted by Tom White or by one of his many friends, in his memory. A steep trail through the woods leads to a lovely bridge across Schoolhouse Creek, where Tom worked with the Island school children to restore the historic fish runs in the creek.
Lowell Johnson Park (The Ol' Swimming Hole)
Lowell Johnson Park, one of Anderson Island's busiest parks, serves as the swimming hole and features picnic areas and a volleyball court.
St. Anne's Woods
A twenty-acre parcel of high-bank property on the south end of the island, this park was a gift from the Sisters of St. Francis. The land is currently undeveloped, and there is no foot or vehicle access.
Montalvo Park
Our newest park, this was a gift from Steve Montalvo in memory of his parents. It is five wooded acres, and we are currently working on a plan to develop it.
