Lake Hills Library, part of the King County Library System, relocated in fall of 2010 to this location in the Lake Hills Village shopping plaza. The renovation of the library also tied in with the renovation of the shopping area, which will include new office spaces and new retail spaces. The library includes meeting space, a bank of computers, study rooms and a children's area. The library has a world languages collection. Some covered parking is available for library patrons. Library programs includ Spanish literacy programs, English conversation groups, SAT prep courses and other teen programs for education and fun, book clubs and various workshops and organizational meetings.
MOViN 92.5 combines contemporary hits from artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and Kanye West with old school grooves from artists like Bob Marley, Keith Sweat, Kool and the Gang, and Deniece Williams. Brooke is the host of the morning show, "The Ladies Room," which features "The Panel of Men," with "Krazy Kel" Walker.
The radio station is run by Bellevue-based Sandusky Radio-Seattle.
Bellevue Christian Reformed Church opened in the 1980s and today provides an array of ministries and programs. The church's "Wednesday Night Live" event offers food, fellowship and Bible study for adults and children of all ages on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. On Sundays, religious classes for children and adults begin at 9am, followed by the Sunday worship service at 10am.
Jubilee Reach Center is a local nonprofit that provides a range of community outreach services. Programs include English as a Second Language (ESL) training, before- and after-school care, and periodic medical and dental care. The organization also operates the Jubilee REACH Heart & Home Thrift Store on 148th Ave Northeast.
The parish of St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church offers daily masses, pastoral services and a school for students in preschool through 8th grade. Parishioners can participate in pastoral services and Bible and spiritual workshops. Volunteer opportunities are available for seniors, parents and youth. Members can also sing in different choirs, including a children's choir, traditional choir, contemporary music choir and world music choir. St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic School has a website.
The Northwest Arts Center houses nearly 200 art and fitness programs. Programs include an introduction to visual and performing arts, as well as fitness classes for people of all ages. The is a pottery studio, kiln room, and a large dance studio with large dance mirrors and dance barres. The center is also home to two outdoor sculptures: "Visions of the Deep" by Dudley Carter, and "Amore" by John Kenney.
Vasa Park Resort and Ballroom is the perfect place to hold a company or family picnic, camp or launch a boat. Located on Lake Sammamish, it has a water slides, playgrounds, campgrounds and picnic and barbeque areas. Vasa Park is open to daily guests as well as to campers, with tents and/or a trailer. The Ballroom is located across the street in a large red barn. It is a frequent site of trade shows and provides an excellent venue for wedding receptions, due to its large dance floor.
The Highland Community Center and Skate Park supports Bellevue's Specialized Recreation Program and support services. It provides a space for community disability groups and offers a gymnasium, multi-purpose room, and rental facility. There are two outdoor tennis courts, two softball fields, a children's play structure, an outdoor skating area, and walking track. Highland's programs include drop-in sports programs, and drop-in toddler playtime.
The Slingerland Institute For Literacy is a company that trains teachers how to teach dyslexic children. It works on a contracted basis with school districts all over the country in an effort to really make teachers understand how to help dyslexic children learn in the way that is best for them. Slingerland focuses primarily on reading, writing and multifunctional skills that work best for dyslexic kids.
This is a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - whose congregation is more popularly known as Mormons - north of downtown Bellevue. This church offers bible study, youth groups and plenty of opportunities to volunteer in the community through various church outreach programs.
Killarney Glen Park's entrance is an invitingly large grassy field. Its two tennis courts, sport court and trails allow for a number of active daylong pursuits. There is also a large playground and multiple picnic tables.
Jennifer Rosen Meade Preschool is part of Temple De Hirsch Sinai's Eastside campus in the Eastgate area of Bellevue. The school offers classes for children aged 12 months to 5 years. Along with the play, exploration and crafts that help young children develop before starting school, the preschoolers also mark Shabbat every Friday with the rabbi, celebrate the Jewish holidays and learn cultural traditions. The school has a parent advisory committee, and parents can get involved in planning activities.
Nestled within the urban area of Bellevue, Washington, this 54-acre garden is a great get-away from the busy downtown core. The well-maintained grounds provide ample opportunities for short hikes, small family picnics, or even an out-of-office lunch.
Parking and public transportation to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Parking is free and the entrance is a one-way off of Main Street. If the main lot is full, visitors may park in the nearby Willburton Hill Park just east of the gardens. For public transit, visit King County Metro for current available routes.
Best and worst time to go to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Weekday mornings are always the best times. However, because the garden is so expansive, even on a busy day you would have no problem enjoying the scenery. Consider going during the holiday season, from mid November through December, and enjoy the "Garden d'Lights" as you walk through the colorful light displays during the evening hours.
Admission to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Admission is free to enter the park. While the park itself is open from dawn until dusk, the Visitor Center and the Shorts House hold separate hours. Check the Bellevue Botanical Garden's website for its current seasonal hours.
Must see/do at Bellevue Botanical Garden
Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a map of the gardens. If you don't have a lot of time to explore, at least take in the Yao Garden and the Ravine Experience. Take a peek inside the Shorts House and browse their gardening resource library. And then make a stop in the Trillium Store for some garden-inspired gifts.
Other places to visit near the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Because of its close proximity to Bellevue's downtown core, a short drive across the freeway will take you to the Bellevue Collection, downtown's shopping district which includes the popular Bellevue Square. Also in this area is the Bellevue Art Museum and Downtown Park, both great places to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Insider tip for visitors to the Bellevue Botanical Garden
Expect to walk to gain the full benefit of the gardens. It is a wonderful place to get landscaping ideas, and "tap or scan" QR code stations are scattered throughout the grounds to help you identify the plants in the area. If you enjoy longer trail walks, the gardens connect to the Lake to Lake Trail system that spans about ten miles between Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington.
Author's bio: Jae Holt is a freelance writer and novelist, and an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy. When she isn't writing or reading, she is looking for fun things to do with her family.
McCormick Park parallels the Bellevue Public Library with its center portion. Long and narrow, it extends east and west from the library, spanning a total of three blocks with just 2.83 acres. The beautiful sitting areas and flower gardens are connected by a gravel trail, which winds throughout the park. A pedestrian overpass provides easy access from the park to the library.
Bellevue Family YMCA has created a safe, fun place for folks of all ages to be active in body, mind and soul. A vast array of exercising equipment awaits, including cardio and circuit strength machines, stationary bikes and free weights. The facility offers wellness and exercise programs targeted to specific ages groups. Seniors may want to try the Silver Sneakers program. The helpful staff will happily answer your questions.