Vancouver, WA

I found Goot Park by accident while looking for a way down to the Washougal River. I gave up on the river idea and was wandering around trying to locate a road that would take me back to Highway 14 when I glimpsed a playground out of the corner of my eye.

The park was obviously old, with no sidewalks or paths, but Layla and I strolled through the grass and lush old trees, passing by picnic tables that ranged from worn wood to modern metal. We stopped at a covered area that is positively ancient and did not inspire in me any desire to eat my lunch there; but Layla turned on the faucet and washed her hands so I assume the electricity worked as well.

Play equipment abounded, and again it ranged from the ancient to modern, but one piece looked truly unique; this is where Layla and I settled. It was something like a hanging seesaw, and you sit or stand on each end and ride up and down. Thankfully there are tires buried in the sand that stop you from thunking the ground. This little piece of equipment kept us occupied for a good 20 to 30 minutes, a curiosity to her and some nice relaxing moments for me.

There is also an old-fashioned merry-go-round where the kids pile on and two or three run around the outside getting it up to speed, then jump on: the objective is to defeat gravity until it slows down. I remember riding on them when I was young, and Layla has given me a ride on the only other one I have seen this year, also located in Camas. The one here in Goot Park seems to be in the process of burying itself in the ground as it took a great deal of effort to turn it.

I love the charm of this place; it is well cared for and, by the number of kids using it today, frequently visited. In addition to the playground, the picnic areas, and the beautiful old trees giving plenty of shade, there is a sunny side that has two soccer goals and a softball diamond with bleachers around it.

There is only a limited amount of street parking available at the park, located at SE 2nd and Zenith in Camas. Since there were no sidewalks except at the street, wheelchairs and strollers might take a lot of pushing, but I suspect it would be worth it once you reach a picnic table or viewing site for sports activities.