|
|
|
Dave Gossett's eNews
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
Office: 8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
|
Check Out Snohomish County Parks This Summer
It's summer and a great time to take the family to enjoy the outdoors by visiting Snohomish County parks.
"Snohomish County has an incredible park system," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "There's something for everyone."
McCollum Park is a great example of taking a liability and making it a real community asset. Originally a county landfill, the county passed a bond issue in 1968 to fund improvements, including closing of the landfill and construction of the existing pool. This Saturday will mark the 40th Anniversary of the pool at McCollum. To celebrate, the pool with have a free open swim with cake and lemonade on Saturday the 17th from 12:15-1:30.
"Having an outdoor, public pool is great for families," noted Gossett. "It's one of the most heavily used pools in the region during the summer."
The 78 acre park, located on the east side of I-5 on 128th, offers much more than the chance to swim. In 1984, Washington State University Cooperative Extension moved into the former park buildings and they continue to occupy them as administrative headquarters and classroom buildings. A wide range of classes are available to the public.
Additional improvements were made in 1994 including renovating the ballfield and building a BMX bike track. Picnicking and trails are also featured. Prior to construction a thick, high-density polyethylene liner (material similar to black plastic) and a minimum of 18 inches of soil capped the old landfill. A gas collection and incinerator system was also installed. A joint use park and ride was added, allowing for commuter parking during the weekdays and parking for park events in evenings and weekends.
Construction of the Adopt-A-Stream Foundation's Northwest Stream Center began in 1998. Located adjacent to North Creek on 20 acres within a large canopy of trees,
Adopt-A-Stream's Northwest Stream Center
enhances the living productivity of the wetlands and provides environmental education and stream rehabilitation.
"The park seems to always have people walking, biking, running, picnicking, swimming, attending horticulture classes and other activities," said Gossett. "It is a wonderful balance of passive and active uses located in an urban area."
Willis Tucker Park, located in the Cathcart area, is perhaps the crown jewel in the park system because it offers the widest variety of amenities of any county park. One of the county's newest parks, it features ballfields, trails, an off-leash dog area, playgrounds, an outdoor water spray park, a basketball court, an amphitheater, and an activity center with conference rooms.
"Willis Tucker is ideal for weddings, concerts, events, or just enjoying a day in the park," said Gossett. "This summer the park will also feature a family-friendly summer movie and concert series."
The movie series is presented by the Sundquist Family of Companies and Epic Events. Concerts are provided by the Snohomish Artist Guild and SAG Audio and Staging. Schedules are below:
Scheduled showings in the 2010 Sundquist Family Movies in the Park are:
July 22 - The Fantastic Mr. Fox, 9:35 p.m.
July 29 - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 9:25 p.m.
August 5 - Twilight: New Moon, 9:15 p.m.
August 12 - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, 9 p.m.
August 19 - The Blind Side, 8:45 p.m.
Open seating begins at 7:30 p.m. Starting times are approximate, depending on daylight.
The Tuesday night concerts provided by the Snohomish Artist Guild and SAG Audio & Staging are:
- July 20 - Deadwood Revival
- July 27 - Lucas Cates Band
- Aug. 3 - Handful of Luvin'
- Aug. 10 - The African All-Stars
All seating is on the grass so bring low-back lawn chairs and blankets for comfort.
Willis Tucker Park, located at 6705 Puget Park Dr., Snohomish,
"Kids festivals and other activities take place during the summer and into the fall," said Gossett. "The schedule of upcoming events is available at http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/."
With 98 park properties that cover literally thousands of acres, Snohomish County has opportunities for just about every passive or active recreational activity. Each park has something special. Maybe it's the pastoral views along the Centennial Trail from Snohomish to Arlington. Or the boat launch at Flowing Lake Park. Or the Wildlife Sanctuary at Portage Creek Park or maybe the yurt village at Kayak Point Park. But regardless of which park you visit, the facilities are well-maintained and welcoming.
"One of the things I am proudest of as a Councilmember is the work I've done to improve and add to our park system," said Gossett. "Good parks are a key part of what makes the quality of life in Snohomish County so special."
A complete list of the parks within the Snohomish County Park System is below:
Campgrounds
Flowing Lake (Leckies Beach)
Kayak Point Park
River Meadows
Squire Creek
Wenberg County Park
Saltwater Parks
Kayak Point Park
Meadowdale Beach
Picnic Point
Southwest County Park
Spencer Island
(Snohomish River Estuary)
Boat Launches
Flowing Lake (Leckies Beach)
Kayak Point Park
Wenberg County Park
Wyatt Park
Trails
Centennial Trail
Interurban Trail
Lime Kiln Trailhead
Lord Hill
McCollum Pioneer Park
Paradise Valley
Robe Canyon Historic Park
Spencer Island
(Snohomish River Estuary)
Vacation & Room Rentals
Kayak Kottage Vacation House
Cabins at Flowing Lake
Willis Tucker Park
YURTS at Kayak Point
YURTS at River Meadows
Outdoor Pool
McCollum Pool
Arboretum
Rhody Ridge Botanical Garden
Evergreen State Fairgrounds
RV Campsites
Evergreen State Fair
Golf Courses
Kayak Point Golf Course
Lakefront Parks
Flowing Lake (Leckies Beach)
Gissberg Twin Lakes
Lake Goodwin Community Park
Lake Roesiger
Martha Lake
Sunset Park
Wyatt Park
Wenberg County Park
Riverfront Parks
Jordan Bridge
River Meadows
Riverscene
Squire Creek
Twin Rivers
Wildlife Areas
Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve at Thomas' Eddy
North Creek
Paradise Valley Conservation Area
Portage Creek Wildlife Area
Spencer Island
(Snohomish River Estuary)
Ballfields
Fairfield
Forsgren
Paine Field
Lake Stevens Community Park
McCollum Pioneer Park
Twin Rivers
Willis Tucker Community Park
Community Parks
Esperance
Logan
Pilchuck Community Park
Silver Creek
Whitehorse Community Park
Willis Tucker Community Park
Dogs Off Leash Areas
Cavalero Park
Willis Tucker Community Park
Future Parks
(Currently in engineering phase or under construction )
Centennial Trail, Phase II
Hole in the Sky
Martha Lake Airfield
Miner's Corner (228th/45th)
Tambark Creek
Whitehorse Trail
Proposed Shooting Range
|
|
