Explore Union Gap Parks and Pathways
Looking for the perfect place to take an afternoon break or for a little fun with family and furry friends? Union Gap’s four city parks, pathways and trails await with a mix of small town charm and outdoor adventure. Local parks span more than 130 acres, complete with gardens, picnic spots, playgrounds, paths, skatepark and even an 18-hole disc golf course.
For a perfect picnic in the park, grab some takeout from one of the stops on the Union Gap Taco and Tamale Trail or Classic Burger Trail.
Ahtanum Youth Activities Park
This 74-acre park delivers more than the name suggests. In addition to multiple athletic fields and playgrounds, you’ll also find plenty of places for picnics nestled among shade trees, sports courts, rental buildings (including an historic barn) and lovely local gardens. The park is home to the Demonstration Garden and Heirloom Garden maintained by WSU Yakima County Master Gardeners. Both gardens are teaching gardens offering classes open to the public during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Check out their schedule for themes including gardening in small spaces for large bounty, falling in love with herbs, grasses for habitat and year-round interest, pruning and tree identification, wearable art from plants and more.
Park Highlights
- 3 Covered Shelters and 10 Picnic Sites
- Athletic Fields
- Playground Areas
- Tennis and Basketball Courts and Volleyball Areas
- Demonstration Gardens
- Rental Buildings
- Horseshoe Pits
Fullbright Park
Find more than 30 acres of wide open, grassy space at Fullbright Park. There’s plenty of room to gather and play, with several covered areas for creekside picnics, a playground and even a concert stage. The recently expanded 18-hole disc golf course is ready for some friendly (or serious) competition. Enjoy a leisurely hike along Ahtanum Creek and, for more strenuous adventure, take the trail up to Ahtanum Ridge for spectacular views of the Yakima Valley. Leave time to explore the adjacent Central Washington Agricultural Museum to see their impressive collection of vintage farm equipment and other hands-on, historic displays.
Park Highlights
- Covered Shelters and Picnic Sites
- Concert Stage
- Playground Area
- 30+ acres of Wide Open, Grassy Space
- 60+ Acre Field for Larger Gatherings
- Hiking Trails
- 18-Hold Disc Golf Course
Yakima Greenway
The 22-mile Yakima Greenway begins right in Union Gap. This paved pathway starts at the end of Valley Mall Boulevard and runs a scenic route along the Yakima River for leisurely walks, bike rides and runs. Just a little more than two miles takes you to the Yakima Area Arboretum’s 46 acres of cultivated gardens. Further along the way, find fishing ponds, river access landings and parks.
Cahalan Park and Skatepark
Take a shopping break at this 6.6-acre community park complete with picnic areas adjacent to the Valley Mall Shopping Center. Bring the kids (and grownups) for the skatepark or a friendly game at the baseball field.
Loudon Park
This quaint community park is another place for a picnic break, with a playground and tennis and bascketball courts.
Categorized in: Family Friendly, Outdoor
