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BRUGGER'S BOG, Ballinger Neighborhood's only improved City park, is a hidden treasure. The amenities within are nearly visible from the street in wintertime when leaves have fallen from the trees. posted 1/14/08 | BRUGGER'S BOG & BALLINGER HOMES
The park borders Ballinger Homes, whose residents have worn paths into the park from the back and visit it on a regular basis.
posted 1/14/08 |
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| THE BRUGGER'S BOG WILLOW This lovely willow sweeps down over the footbridge, shielding passersby from the great amenities within--picnic tables, an open meadow suitable for frisbee tossing, and a recently upgraded tot play area and swing set. posted 1/14/08 | BALLINGER CREEK FOOTBRIDGE
To the left of the footbridge as you enter the back half of the park is a refreshing solitary stroll. Along the edge of the creek's bank is sure footing, but don't be tempted to cross the grassy area west of the creek. In winter it truly is a soggy, mossy bog! posted 1/14/08 |
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WINTER BERRIES GLINTING IN THE SUN ALONG BALLINGER CREEK Native or invasive? With nothing left but the berries, it's hard to tell. At any rate, they are quite beautiful in the sunlight. posted 1/14/08 | BLACKBERRIES ALONG BALLINGER CREEK Choking out the native plants, and obscuring the lovely views of the creek are loads of those pesky invasive blackberries. Here's a potential project for Ballinger Neighborhood--partnering with the City of Shoreline Parks and Recreation to remove the blackberries and plant native species. posted 1/14/08 |
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GEOCACHERS SEEK BALLINGER CREEK If you visit the park often, you may spot a geocacher. These friendly folks are quite willing to talk to you about their hobby. Geocachers download website coordinates to hidden virtual treasures, then use their GPS tracking systems to find the locations. For more info, visit www.geocaching.com posted 1/14/08 | THE CREEK'S CHANGING COURSE If you look closely at the top of this photo, you'll see that all the rain has caused this little creek to change its course around a clump of trees--water rushing in both directions. Glass shards found near this location were worn down from the moving current. posted 1/14/08 |
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THE VIEW FROM BRUGGER'S BOG TO BALLINGER PLAYFIELD looking across 25th Ave NE. posted 1/14/08 | BALLINGER PLAYFIELD in its current state of disrepair. For many years, NKCLL maintained this site for Shoreline Schools when ballfields were in short supply. Now the field lies fallow and unsightly. A BALNA weekend work party could make the field safe again for recreation. posted 1/14/08 |
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ILLEGAL DUMPING on or near Ballinger Playfield is commonplace. If the site was well maintained, dumping may not be so frequent. posted 1/14/08 | MARKER DENOTING THE CREATION OF THE SHORELINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY is the sixth in a series of markers commissioned by the group in 1959 to denote local Shoreline landmarks. Until 2003 its location was unknown. It resides in the old Lago Vista development of Ballinger. Who knew the Society had commemorated themselves! posted 1/14/08 |
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McALEER CREEK AT THE 19th STREET OVERPASS. Sidewalks along 19th Ave NE near 195th St. would give citizens a safe way to view the scenic creek and create a great pedestrian corridor connecting north and south segments of Ballinger Neighborhood. posted 1/14/08 | A VIEW OF McALEER LOOKING NORTH FROM THE OVERPASS. Wanted a few better shots but the shoulder is narrow and the traffic was moving too fast! posted 1/14/08 |
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OUR MYSTERY SITE Only folks who walk their neighborhood on a regular basis will recognize this great tree... | ...and this hidden location! Hint: McAleer Creek is just over the crest. |