Reaney Park

Imagine a cozy green oasis that has served as the heart of social life in Pullman for a century. The region's oldest public park, located in Washington state, USA, is not just a place for a walk, but a true open-air historical monument.

Reaney Park is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and majestic trees. It is home to two Oregon Buckeyes, which are officially recognized as the largest specimens of their species in the state. The park harmoniously combines historical charm, embodied in its vintage wooden pavilion, with modern amenities for family recreation.

One of the main highlights of the park is the swimming pool, which has been operating since 1917 and is filled with artesian water. Thanks to its proximity to the Washington State University campus, the park always feels full of life, and its well-kept lawns are perfect for picnics and seasonal community festivals.

To inquire about events or swimming pool regulations, you can contact the administration. This will help you plan your visit in advance, especially during holidays.

Below are the current contact details for Reaney Park for communication and navigation:

In this park, everyone will find something to their liking. Nature lovers can enjoy a picnic in the shade of century-old elms and pines, while history buffs can admire the old bandstand that recalls performances from a century ago. Be sure to seek out those champion trees to appreciate their impressive scale.

For families with children, there are modern playgrounds with safe surfacing and inclusive equipment. In the summer heat, there's nothing better than cooling off in the local pool. If your visit coincides with August, you'll witness the National Lentil Festival—a vibrant event with music, food, and entertainment.

The park's walking paths are ideal for morning jogs or lazy evening strolls. Free open-air concerts are often held here, allowing you to experience the true spirit of an American college town surrounded by flowers and ornamental shrubs.

Getting to this picturesque spot in Pullman is quite easy, as the park is located in the central part of town, almost adjacent to the Washington State University campus. The exact address for your GPS is: 690 NE Reaney Way, Pullman, WA 99163.

For those who prefer walking, the park is within walking distance of most academic buildings and downtown streets. If you are traveling by car, there is parking available on-site, and from neighboring towns like Moscow (Idaho), the drive takes only about 15 minutes via highway US-95.

While the public transit system is largely student-oriented, university shuttles and local taxis can easily take you to the main entrance. Thanks to its convenient location, Reaney Park often serves as a starting point for walking tours of the university district.

The history of this place began at the end of the 19th century. Since 1898, the picturesque territory belonged to the family of Albert and Phoebe Reaney, who graciously allowed townspeople to hold picnics there. By 1902, the site had become so popular that the local press began urging authorities to purchase it for public use, calling it "the most pleasant spot in Eastern Washington."

In 1904, residents voted to purchase the land for a sum of $2,600—an impressive amount for that time. From that moment, active development began: a historical bandstand was built in 1915, and in 1917, the swimming pool was opened, which is still supplied with pure water from an artesian well.

Notably, in 1931, landscape architecture students participated in renovating the grounds. It was then that the modern pedestrian paths were formed and new shrubs were planted. Today, the park carefully preserves the atmosphere of old America, including two massive Oregon Buckeyes planted over a century ago.

For a typical leisurely stroll, viewing the historical trees, and relaxing by the fountain or pavilion, 1–2 hours will be quite sufficient. This is enough time to enjoy the peace in the city center and take some beautiful photographs.

If you plan to visit the pool or happen to be in town during a festival, such as the famous National Lentil Festival, you should set aside 3–4 hours or even the entire afternoon to fully immerse yourself in the local festive atmosphere.

The public grounds are open for visiting every day. You can come here early in the morning for a walk or spend a warm evening: the park is open from 05:00 to 21:00 daily.

Please note that pool operation and large-scale events are seasonal. To avoid missing an interesting event or to check the rules for using sports zones, it is recommended to check the official city portal before your trip.

Exploring the surroundings of Pullman will allow you to get a deeper feel for the culture and history of this university hub. Within walking distance of the green space, you'll find architectural landmarks and cozy local spots.