Ephrata parks ready to welcome residents, visitors

EPHRATA — Anyone just driving through Ephrata on Basin Street may miss some of the parks and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors that the city offers. From hiking on Beezley Hill to picnics at Patrick Park to shooting hoops at Lions Park or working on your kick flip at the city’s skate park, there’s a bit of something for everyone.  

Beezley Hill Trails  

For adventurers and outdoor lovers, the Beezley Hills Recreation Area offers more than a dozen routes to hike and bike on with views of Ephrata and the Columbia Basin landscape. Upon reaching the parking spot at the trailhead, visitors can enter through a gate and go off on several trails that start there. Those hiking the trails may want to be cautious of snakes during the warmer parts of the year, but they’ll also have the chance to see California quail, squirrels, various other wild birds and a look at the flowers that are often hidden from view by sagebrush.  

Patrick Park  

Patrick Park offers visitors a good view of downtown, including the sports fields by Ephrata High School, though maybe not close enough to enjoy the game. A variety of playground equipment including jungle gyms, swings, tires, basketball hoops and other attractions are available for folks to enjoy. The large green space on the north end of the park has several trees and a sheltered picnic area so parents can keep cool while their children play. A fence between the park and the irrigation canal helps keep children safe as well. 

Sun Basin Plaza (Rock Park Plaza) 

This charming plaza, located at 32 Basin St. NW, is a social hub that combines scenic rock features with a welcoming community atmosphere. Located adjacent to the Ephrata Public Library, it is sometimes used to host library events. A statue on the side of the park adjacent to Basin Street offers some insight into notable rock climbers from the Ephrata area. 

Lions Park  

A go-to spot for families, Lions Park features playgrounds, sports fields and plenty of space to run and play in. The park has plenty of trees for shade during the warmer parts of the year but also gets late-afternoon shade from Beezley Hill just above it. The park offers visitors a chance to shoot hoops or just sit and visit at a picnic table with a cold drink.  

Oasis Park & Golf Course  

Love golf? Love nature? Get the best of both worlds at Oasis Park, with beautiful scenery and a nine-hole Par 3 golf course. Whether you’re teeing off or enjoying the walking trails, it's got something to offer. The park also has mini golf and opportunities to enjoy some relaxation by the water with a fishing rod or just relaxing on a blanket with friends and family. 

Splash Zone — Beat the Heat!  

Ephrata’s seasonal water park opens in June and features a pool, water slides, and splash areas for cool, refreshing fun. Swimming lessons are available off and on throughout the summer and information about them may be found on the city’s Parks and Recreation website. Located in the heart of town, it’s an easy walk from just about anywhere in Ephrata to go and cool off. 

Ephrata Skate Park 

The Ephrata Skate Park is designed for skaters of all skill levels to come, play, practice and perfect their skills. Multiple ramps, rails and obstacles are available to practice on. Skaters may want to wear their sunblock though, as the park is unshaded and may get toasty during the summer months.  

Ephrata Sports Complex 

With soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and open spaces for group activities, the sports complex is a hub for athletes and teams of all ages. Soccer tournaments and other sporting events are held throughout the warmer months and shade trees help keep visitors cool while they’re catching a game.  

Other outdoor play spaces are available in the community, including the Parkway Fields softball and baseball fields, along with pickleball courts near the intersection of Division Avenue East and K Street Northeast.  

    Parkway Park offers a large variety of facilities for visitors to enjoy including slides, playground equipment, a covered picnic area and shaded grass play field for a chance to relax. Visitors can even play a game of PIG or HORSE at the basketball hoops.
  

    The Ephrata Sports Complex offers soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, swings and other facilities to enjoy.
  

    Splash Zone not only offers shady grassed areas, but water slides, a pool and a splash pad for those who maybe aren’t ready to go in the deep end. The facility is set to open in June and offers swimming lessons and other recreational events from time to time.
  

    Tucked away between the Ephrata Sports Complex and Splash Zone is a small but well-equipped skate park for those into boarding, blading or skating in general. Visitors can work on their kick-flips while listening to music and enjoying a bit of fresh Columbia Basin air.
  

    Lions Park is one of the larger parks in Ephrata with a large covered picnic area, a playground for school-age children, swings, a basketball court and afternoon shade from the hill above it. Restrooms are available as well.