Parks and Recreation: What We Do

The major functions of the Department of Parks and Recreation are:

Parks: Responsible for the planning, acquisition, citizen participation, contracting, construction, maintenance, security, and programming of active and passive parks, conservation areas, open space properties, trails, and facilities including playgrounds, ballfields, camping, swimming areas, equestrian trails and long-distance multipurpose non-motorized trails.

Recreation: Responsible for the planning, marketing, operation and evaluation of recreational programs, summer theme camps, special events and an outdoor swimming pool.

Fairgrounds: Responsible for the planning, marketing, management, operation, development and maintenance of the Snohomish County Fairgrounds – including organizing, marketing and operating the 12-day Evergreen State Fair.

Extension: Responsible for education and technical assistance for community agriculture and horticulture, 4-H youth, and family programs through consultation, community clinics, workshops, 4-H clubs and events, and trained volunteers.

Miscellaneous [Cooperative Management]: Responsible for the management of an extensive volunteer program, cooperative operation of parks through the assistance of cities and non-profit youth sports organizations, and cooperative operation of educational and recreational programs such as wildlife preservation and stream protection, and BMX bike racing.