rooks park

We were looking for a park in which to have a picnic. Rooks Park looked good from the Tripadvisor reviews so we decided to try it out. The park is outside of town so do not expect a city park setting. The facilities are very nice and well maintained. There are trails to hike or possibly bicycle ride but we did not see anyone doing that when we visited. We liked the park but was not what we would consider for a quick picnic lunch. We were also confused by a sign that said "No Hunting" right after a sign that said Hunting was closed until September 1 (Hunting in a city park?).

This was a pretty spot for a ride, long trails next to the water on either side. Blue mountains as the backdrop on one side and the Walla Walla Community College on the other. Lots of people around enjoying the atmosphere. Grab some raspberries off of the bushes near the start of the trail :) My only complaint is a lack of shady spots along the trail, unlike my usual riding spot along the Columbia River.

Peaceful and relaxing expansive park. Walk or ride your bike along the flowing waters of Mill Creek. Play ball, croquet, etc. on the expansive greens, and picnic with the family. The kids love the playground equipment.

I loved this little park. It was large, had decently clean restrooms, and I loved it's ambience. The little dam-like river next to it was gorgeous and the ducks were surprisingly friendly! Fun place to spend a relaxing day.

The park is spacious, plenty of room for the kids to run around. Its out of town a little bit so you dont hear the rumble of cars. It is also right next to a creek and has even a volleyball net.

Rooks Park is a good place to picnic with the family and friends. Very relaxing and lots of trees for shade.

with miles and miles of walking and biking trails, wonderful wildlife. So worth a bike ride, walk, picnic and some time on a park bench if you visit. It's just off Mill Creek Road, next door to the K Vintners winery.

very lovely park, great setting alongside a diversion stream; excellent facility for picnics, family fun, biking (paved trails) and views of the countryside

While there are no major activities like some big parks, there is a great playground, clean restrooms, a sandy volleyball area, bbq grills and tons of paved as well as unpaved hiking trails, many along Mill Creek and going up to Bennington Lake. Nature surrounds you at this park. Its not overly crowded and has tons of shady trees to keep cool.

large area to picnic, walk, bird watch. Bike path, Creek side.one covered picnic area. Trails that lead off go around Bennington Lake. Hike, Bike and horseback around Bennington lake.

We recently rented out the shelter at rooks park for our rehearsal dinner for our wedding so we could have a BBQ. To rent the shelter is $50, but just visiting the park is free. There's a play structure for kids, a sand volleyball pit, lots of picnic tables and secluded areas, and hiking/biking paths. Just a short walk away is Bennington Lake, which is ok. Last time I saw it, it was really low, however. The park is well cared for and very peaceful! I love going there!

good chance to get out in the hills and work off the great wine and food that Walla Walla has to offer.

I didn't see Bennington Lake (The Reservoir) listed in my search of Walla Walla, and since it is the neighbor to Rooks Park I decided to mention it here. The two are connected, so perhaps related after all. I am very thankful to have such a great resource in our area. They have a variety of trails with multiple types of terrain (gravel, dirt, single track, double track) along with hills which makes for a good work out for walkers, hikers, cyclist, and horseback riders alike. They have done a lot of improvements to the trails in the past year or two and now there are more options for winter and rainy seasons to avoid all the mud. As a horse owner there are not a lot of places to go to ride that are public trails (Madam Dorian also comes to mind). This one at certain times of the year also offers a place to train your horse for water crossings. The lake is also used by people who want to fish or take a boat out for the day. A most enjoyable place for all.

I will tell you a little about the park after an introduction to Capt. Albert H. Rooks. Capt. Rooks was born in Eastern Washington and went to school and lived in Walla Walla for several years. Eventually he became Captain of the USS Houston just before WWII broke out. On February 28, 1942 he was in a battle in the Sunda Straights, outnumbered by dozens of enemy ships and with very small chance for the survival of his ship and crew. He attacked the enemy and succeded in causing many causualties before his ship was finally sunk. It is one of the most inspiring stories of WWII. Posthumously he was awarded the US Congressional Medal of Honor. There is a small interpretive display behind the restrooms at the park.The park has picnic facilities for large groups, lots of parking, is well maintained, and is also a starting place for great hikes around Bennington Lake. There are many interpetive bulletin boards around the park where you can find maps and brochures about the trails and other activities offered by the Corps of Engineers. I it is the off-season and you find the park closed, you can still park outside and hike through the facilities. If you want to see some of the natural and man-made adjustments to the land around Walla Walla, this is your place.

Just on the edge of town. This is a great area to picnic and hike. There is an off-leash dog park area too. There is a small lake (reservoir) with a boat launch, but often it is quite low.