In Tehaleh, Washington, Discovery Park stands out as an ordinary community space and a revolutionary blend of environmental integration, education, and engagement. Constructed with the community in mind, this park is a cornerstone of Tehaleh’s vision, fostering connectivity among its diverse, multi-generational residents.
With its thoughtful design, Discovery Park seamlessly links senior housing, elementary schools, various neighborhoods, and open spaces, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether by foot, bike, car, or shuttle, It offers a green sanctuary where residents can unite, play, and learn amidst nature.
Discovery Park is a vibrant place of community life, boasting various amenities designed to cater to collective and individual needs. A wide, accessible primary loop trail welcomes bikers, walkers, and runners, connecting them to the park’s many attractions. From the spacious great lawn and covered stage that beckons community events to the large dining area perfect for gatherings, the park encourages social interaction and community bonding.
Additionally, the bocce court, amphitheater, and community garden provide recreational opportunities and spaces for neighbors to come together and cultivate relationships and hobbies.
Beyond its role as a park, Discovery Park is at the forefront of environmental education and preservation. The park’s innovative stormwater management facility is critical in sustaining the local ecosystem. The facility, comprising a wet pond and dry cells, manages water quality treatment for a significant area while strategically placing rain gardens within the park to filter pollutants from runoff.
This commitment to eco-friendliness extends to every aspect of the park’s design, from its landscape to educational programming, making Discovery Park a living classroom for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and environmental education.
Adding to its educational mission, Discovery Park incorporates hands-on learning experiences that engage and inform visitors of all ages about the importance of environmental stewardship. Features like a boulder inscribed with a word search game themed around stormwater systems, metric trail markers, and interpretive signage enrich visitors’ knowledge of local ecology and sustainable practices.
These elements, along with an outdoor classroom and informal gathering spaces, lay the groundwork for immersive educational experiences that resonate with schoolchildren and adults alike, inspiring a deeper connection with the natural world.
Designed with a keen eye on sustainability, Discovery Park showcases an eco-conscious landscape that supports local wildlife while minimizing maintenance and irrigation needs. Native grasses and drought-resistant plants populate the park, creating a vibrant habitat for birds, bats, and other fauna, enhancing biodiversity. The meticulously planned mounded areas aid in stormwater management and bloom with colorful foliage through the changing seasons, adding to the park’s aesthetic appeal.
Features like bat houses and birdhouses also foster a balanced ecosystem, demonstrating Discovery Park’s commitment to preserving nature for future generations.
Discovery Park in Tehaleh represents a bold step toward blending community engagement, education, and environmental preservation. As a place where residents can gather, learn, and enjoy nature’s beauty, the park embodies the spirit of community and sustainability. Its multifaceted mission—to educate, engage, and preserve—makes it a treasure within Tehaleh, proving that thoughtful design can foster vibrant community life and environmental stewardship.
