Bellevue Airfield Park
Bellevue Airfield Park Map
About Bellevue Airfield Park in Bellevue
Bellevue Airfield Park is a 27.5-acre site located in Bellevue, Washington. The park is situated on the former location of the Eastgate Landfill and a small airport, giving it its name. The site consists of three parcels of land acquired by the City of Bellevue over the years.
The park currently features an undeveloped wildlife corridor that includes a meadow, tree canopy, and wetlands. It is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and office parks, providing a natural open space in an urban environment. A stormwater retention pond on one parcel manages runoff from the Phantom Lake Water Basin before it flows into Phantom Lake and eventually Lake Sammamish.
Bellevue Airfield Park is undergoing a master plan update process. In September 2024, the Bellevue City Council adopted a new master plan that includes the development of various facilities. The plan calls for the construction of a new aquatic center, pickleball courts, picnic areas, and updated trails. This development will replace the existing meadow and reduce some of the tree canopy to accommodate parking.
The park's development has been a subject of community discussion, with some residents advocating for the preservation of the existing natural habitat. Environmental considerations are particularly important due to the site's history as a landfill, which has been designated as a Model Toxic Control Act Cleanup Site by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
As of now, much of the park remains undeveloped, offering visitors a chance to experience a rare open space within the city of Bellevue. The future development plans aim to balance recreational facilities with the preservation of some natural elements.