Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

Park Overview

Right next to the southeastern shore of Lake Washington, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park stretches across 57 acres of prime lakefront real estate, including 5 acres of lush grass and an impressive 5,400 feet of shoreline. This versatile space offers activities for both land lovers and water enthusiasts alike, and is generally clean and well-maintained.

Fall is arguably the park's most photogenic season, when the maple trees transform into a canvas of fiery autumn hues - definitely Instagram-worthy if you're into that sort of thing.

Water Recreation

The park's swimming beach is a popular spot to cool off during warm Washington months, with lifeguards on duty from mid-June through Labor Day. A 900-foot pier and water walk juts into the lake, offering breathtaking views and a fantastic spot to cast a line.

Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the eight-lane boat launch that provides direct access to Lake Washington. Just a heads up - on those gorgeous sunny weekends, the launch can get pretty packed, so timing your visit might save you some waiting around.

This sculpture of three pedestrians is called Interface

Photo: Isa Sorensen (CC0 1.0)

Land Activities

For those who prefer dry land, the park features two miles of paved walking paths hugging the shoreline - good for a leisurely stroll or morning jog. There are also tennis courts and sand volleyball courts if you're feeling competitive, plus a large children's playground with equipment for kids of all ages, from tiny tots to adventure-seeking pre-teens.

The playground area includes some adult workout equipment nearby for grown-ups who want to exercise.

Picnic and BBQ Areas

Scattered within the grounds are numerous picnic spots with benches and tables for casual outdoor dining. Planning something bigger? The park boasts four group picnic shelters that can host gatherings of up to 300 people.

Fire up lunch or dinner at one of the BBQ grills in designated areas, with convenient coal dump stations nearby. These spaces can accommodate everything from family reunions to birthday celebrations.

Sunlight glitters across Lake Washington's shoreline on a clear day

Photo: Isa Sorensen (CC0 1.0)

Amenities

Hungry but didn't pack a lunch? The park houses two popular dining options: Ivar's for seafood cravings and Kidd Valley when you're in the mood for burgers and shakes. For the nature-curious, an interpretive botanical walk offers insights into local plant life.

Clean restrooms are available around the park, however during busy periods you might need to exercise a bit of patience.

Seagulls relax on the waters of Lake Washington near the Coulon fishing pier

Photo: Steve Voght (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Events and Seasonal Activities

Throughout the year, Gene Coulon hosts various community gatherings, including a children's fishing derby, Fourth of July festivities, and laid-back summer concerts. When winter rolls around, the holiday light display transforms the park into a festive wonderland worth bundling up for.

Open year-round, the park looks different with each season, with changing views of the lakeside setting.

Parking and Access

The good news: parking is free in the park's several large lots. The less good news: during peak times (think sunny weekends and holidays), spaces fill up faster than ice cream melts in August. If you're visiting during prime time, consider arriving early to snag a spot.

Parking areas are conveniently distributed throughout the park, with options closer to specific features like the playground or boat launch depending on your day's activities.

Park Rules

Note that dogs aren't allowed anywhere in the park - a rule that's firmly enforced to keep the experience comfortable and safe for everyone. While your four-legged friends will need to sit this one out, it helps maintain the park's family-friendly atmosphere.

Also off the menu: alcohol, rollerblades, skateboards, and bike touring. The focus here is on simple, relaxed enjoyment of this beautiful lakeside space.