Fort Borst Park — Attraction in Centralia

Big toys including swings and climbing jungle Jim toy for children of all ages. Small lake ( for juvenile fishing only), stocked with rainbow trout in the spring, some large mouth bass, sun fish and bullhead fish, not sure if carp are in this lake. There is a trail around lake for walking, partially paved, when water level is low easy fishing spots along the water line. Nice family fishing, easy picnic area available for first come, or there are 2 kitchens(buildings) for rent. Kitchen #1 has more of the home away from home feel to it, Has fireplace and lots of natural light from one side almost completely of Windows overlooking the toys(play area). Has 2 stoves with ovens, sink, large surface work area, large defined counter for use while in kitchen. Has lots of 8' tables and folding metal chairs included. Also has men's & womens restrooms inside, electric Heat. Kitchen #2: not sure of sq. Footage compared to kit #1, seems a little smaller. Has 1 restroom inside, has large round fireplace in center of the room, gives it a log home feeling, has long bar defining kitchen area from open space area. Has 2 electric stoves with ovens, sink, tables & chairs same as other kitchen. Lots of Windows on 3 side's of this building. Windows overlook the toy area's & "old closed outdoor kiddie pool." These buildings are most commonly used for wedding receptions, family gatherings, even some community classes or events. Seasonal events also take place inside the park like at Halloween a haunted house is common. At Christmas our locals volunteer fire dept. Bring Santa in for pictures with the kids. During the summer there is the 4th of July celebration & activities that start with a fishing derby & breakfast then run all day with various games and displays for people of ALL ages. Lots of picnic tables for day use along with a few covered shelters. In the back of the park you will find the old Borst family homestead & one room schoolhouse adjacent to the Lewis county master gardeners fantastic flower, vegetable & fruit gardens. There are tours available at certain times. I found the tour to be very informative about the Borst family and the history of Centralia. Hidden gem of Centralia, that is what a lot of the community members say about the old homestead and gardens. Well worth your time to take a stroll through this lovely garden in the spring, summer or...

While driving north from Portland, we needed a place to stop with the kids. We stopped in Centralia because of easy food off the highway, but soon realized there was a park nearby.

First, we drove in the wrong entrance and could not find the playground. Just baseball fields and historical buildings. Usually, those are things we'd enjoy finding, but with kids wanting to play, it was not what we needed. After driving around a bunch, we found the playground. It's not tagged on Google maps, or else we would have gotten there more directly. Once we found it, (I had to drive the wrong way on a one way to get there without circling the park, lol.) It was good. There were a number of swings, ramps, ladders, slides, rockers, spinners, etc. That the kids enjoyed exploring and climbing. There's also some nice open wooded area for lots of running if the playground is not your style. It's also near the historical fort tower, which is pretty cool.

I also used the restroom, there, but was confronted with a vagrant of some sort and an overflowing urinal... but not unexpected for a public restroom at the edge of a town near the highway.

As people passing through, it was a little difficult to navigate the one-ways and side roads to get to it, but overall, it was...

I was here early in the morning before the sun came out and the dew was still on the ground. Was really nice, quiet, and peaceful. Nobody was here just me and the squirrels well and my donut. LOL other than that it's a nice park visually open, lots of space, right by the highway, CLEAN Bathrooms, good place for the kids to play, throw the Frisbee, ride bikes, and a great place for a picnic for the whole family or maybe just you and your special someone.

Yes I would recommend getting here early in the morning to get the spot that you want because it does get busy in the afternoon and there's only a limited number of benches and picnic tables. Not to mention trees that provide shelter from the afternoon sun that will be coming down on you if you're not Forward thinking when you select your spot.

Enjoy the spring weather, have a safe summer, and please be mindful to clean up about yourself because we are our Brothers keeper from the perspective of love for our planet...