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Despite the chilly rain, about 10 people joined Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Betz on a guided tour through the newly opened Veterans Memorial Park on Friday morning. The park project that began in 2017 as part of the larger Transit Connection Corridor Project, according to city staff.
The work included the removal of non-native vegetation, planting 350 native trees and about 3,000 shrubs and various plants, construction of a new steel-beam bridge, installation of lighting and amenities, and creation of more than 1,600 feet of accessible walking trails connecting the park to the Civic Campus, 58th Avenue West and 60th Avenue West.
Betz said the project is a partnership with local, state and federal funders, thanking Rep. Rick Larsen, who allocated some federal funds to complete the project.
“The park itself is about a little over eight acres, and it was purchased in 1960 for $275,000,” Betz said, “It encompasses a lot of second- and third-growth forest, so a lot of Douglas fir trees, cedar trees and much of them are over 100 feet tall.”
City staff said in a press release that there will be future enhancements to accessibility to the light rail station, the park and nearby neighborhoods, such as a planned 4,300-square-foot Pedestrian Plaza at 236th Street Southwest and Van Ry Boulevard. The plaza will feature seating, landscaping, lighting and public art, serving as a gateway to the community and the first light rail station in Snohomish County.
Councilmember William Paige, Jr. credited the City’s cleanup efforts and gave “special recognition” to people who had ideas for the park long before they started doing the work.
“I think everyone’s going to enjoy it,” he said.
When will the park connect to the transit center?
Beautiful park! MLT can rightly be proud of this gem.