Jonny Anderson Located on the west side of the Magnolia Bluff, Magnolia Park's primary attraction is the panoramic view of Puget Sound.

Spring. It's a time to try something new, to explore and make discoveries. Combine that goal with the return of bright, spring sunshine, and you'll find that the perfect activity for this spring quarter is to spend time outside at many of Seattle's beautiful parks.

Many parks on the west side of the city, closer to SPU, showcase the vast Puget Sound and dazzling lights of downtown buildings. Driving along Lake Washington Boulevard on the east side will lead you past over a dozen parks -- including the large Washington Arboretum -- amidst lush greenery and calming lake views.

Use the following park descriptions and histories to enjoy the great Seattle outdoors this season.

Kinnear Park
Location: 899 W. Olympic Pl. (Queen Anne)
Open hours: 6 a.m. to sunset

Instead of visiting Kerry Park for its view of downtown Seattle, head over to nearby Kinnear Park. It boasts a view of nearly all of Elliot Bay, wrapping from Seattle Center across to West Seattle and the south corner of Magnolia.

The view is seen from the grassy slopes of Kinnear Park's upper level. The park's lower half is a more secluded spot with a tennis court, and can be accessed via a steep stairway descending down the forested cliff.

History: Kinnear Park is named for the original owner, George Kinnear, who organized the Immigration Board and promoted the first wagon road through Snoqualmie pass. In 1889, he sold some of his forested land to the city for $1.

Jonny Anderson Interlaken Park in Capitol Hill attracts active people with its numerous jogging, biking and hiking trails.

Park features: walking, picnicking, tennis, views, public restrooms.

Magnolia Park
Location: 1461 Magnolia Blvd. W. (Magnolia)
Open hours: 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

It may be smaller than the renowned Discovery Park, but the swings and numerous picnic tables at Magnolia Park make it a great picnic spot. Situated on western Magnolia Bluff, the view of Puget Sound is breathtaking.

History: Magnolia Park and the surrounding neighborhood were misnamed by a Navy geographer, who wrongly identified the area's Madrona trees as Magnolias.

Park features: picnicking, Frisbee, swings, views, public restrooms.

Interlaken Park
Location: along Interlaken Boulevard (Montlake and Capitol Hill)
Open hours: 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

This densely-wooded park covers over 50 acres on north Capitol Hill. The park's main attractions are the paths, winding through a wooded ravine, for bikers, joggers, and hikers. A beautiful neighborhood surrounds it all, and the Seattle Hebrew Academy sits prominently along the west side of the park.

History: A bike and buggy path in the 1890's, Interlaken Park has some interesting history behind it. Biking on the planks of city streets in the late 19th century was hazardous, so Assistant City Engineer George F. Cotterill searched out good bikeways within the city. His bike trails formed the basis of the city's boulevard system. In 1903, the Olmsted Brothers, the founders of Seattle's park system, approved Interlaken as a boulevard route.

Jonny Anderson The top of Colman Park on Lake Washington Boulevard is teeming with plants that can be enjoyed from numerous sitting benches.

Park features: jogging, cycling, hiking.

Madrona Park
Location: 853 Lake Washington Blvd. (Madrona Park)
Open hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Named for its tall madrona trees, this park is nestled alongside Lake Washington's waterfront, and its parking spaces are only a couple of yards away from the lake. The wide-open lake view is one of the best sights in the city, stretching from the 520 bridge to I-90 and across to Bellevue and the Cascades. With parking spots only a few yards from the water, this view can be enjoyed from inside your car.

In addition to the usual jogging paths and picnic areas, this park also has a small beach and swimming area with two floating platforms. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

History: The city acquired the Madrona Park property in 1908. The bathhouse was converted in to a dance studio in 1971, and it is still in operation.

Park features: dancing, jogging, walking, picnicking, swimming, views.

Colman Park
Location: 1800 Lake Washington Blvd. S. (Mount Baker)
Open hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Colman Park is located just south of Madrona Park and Interstate 90, and the park's beach is adjacent to Mount Baker Bathing Beach. A habitat restoration project is situated on the hillside. Down on the beach -- among the green, drooping willows -- are three picnic tables and a spacious grassy area for Frisbee, football, soccer or other sports. Several docks and a sailboat shed are just a quick walk south down the shore side pathway.