David Douglas Park

A Vast Green Retreat

Tucked away in central Vancouver, Washington, David Douglas Park spans an impressive 88 acres, making it the largest community park in the area. It's a popular spot for local sporting events and community gatherings.

The landscape here is wonderfully diverse - you'll find wide open spaces fantastic for playing or lounging, alongside serene wooded areas that offer a more peaceful experience. If you venture to the back of the park, you'll discover a beautiful forested section with trails that feel miles away from city life.

Sports Galore

Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home here. The park has several baseball and softball fields that regularly host the Columbia Little League and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Softball program.

All told, there are six diamonds scattered throughout - five dedicated to softball and one specially designed for little league play. Beyond the organized sports areas, you'll find plenty of open grassy spaces ideal for spreading out a blanket, tossing a frisbee, or simply soaking up some sunshine.

During game days, you might catch the concession stand open, offering snacks and refreshments to fuel your park adventures.

Paths for Every Pace

If walking or jogging is more your speed, the park features smooth, well-maintained paved paths that meander through the grounds - many of them shaded, which is particularly nice on hot summer days.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? The forest trails at the back of the park offer a slightly more challenging terrain and connect to the broader Burnt Bridge Creek Trail system. It's surprising how quickly you can go from organized baseball fields to feeling like you're in the middle of a woodland retreat - all without leaving city limits.

Rest and Play

Around the grounds, you'll spot numerous picnic tables and several covered picnic shelters that can accommodate groups both large and small. These are thoughtfully placed across the park, with options in both sunny spots and shaded areas.

When nature calls, the restroom facilities are generally clean and well-maintained, conveniently positioned for easy access during your visit. Families with young children should note that while there is a playground area with swings, a slide, and a tire structure, it's relatively modest compared to what you might find at other parks in the Vancouver area.

A Bit of History

The park bears the name of David Douglas, an intrepid Scottish botanist who explored the Pacific Northwest during the early 19th century. His legacy lives on not just in this park but in numerous plant species he introduced to cultivation, most famously the Douglas fir - a tree that has become synonymous with the region.