Natural Spaces Map (Jan. 2013)

The Snohomish County Park system is incredibly diverse and boasts more than 10,800 acres of parks and open space; 104 park properties; 100’s of miles of trails and more than 47 miles of fresh and saltwater shoreline. Each year nearly 4 million visitors take time to recreate, reconnect and get back to nature in Snohomish County Parks.

Parks play a critical role in building livable and sustainable communities. They contribute to the health and wellness of individual citizens and communities by providing safe places to walk, swim, ride, run, recreate and play. County parks, events, trails and open space are on the front line of regional economic development efforts. Each year the region receives more than 30 million in positive economic impact through the camping and overnight lodging; special events and tournaments; environmental education and tourism that take place in County Park and Recreation facilities. The County Parks and Recreation Department is the largest land steward in county government and our parks, trails and open space contribute to the clean water, clean air, healthy forests and great beaches we enjoy.

The Snohomish County Park and Recreation Department is completing the Master Planning process for Wellington Hills County Park. We issued the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) checklist for Wellington Hills County Park Wednesday, March 20th, 2013.  The SEPA Checklist and all associated studies, surveys and technical documents are available on this website and we encourage the public to review the checklist.

The acreage was purchased with Brightwater mitigation funds in 2011. King and Snohomish counties agreed to the mitigation package in 2005 prior to construction of the sewage treatment plant at the crux of Highways 9 and 522 (2005 Settlement Agreement).  The agreement provides a total of $70 million for a variety of community assets that include parks in Snohomish County, traffic safety improvements, habitat mitigation, and the Brightwater Community Resource Center. Snohomish County purchased 104 acres near Maltby from the University of Washington to be used for a future park. The property is large enough to accommodate several sports facilities and recreation opportunities. Park History and Update (10-31-12)

Since taking ownership of the property on February 29, 2012, both the County Park and Recreation and Public Works Departments have conducted extensive public outreach regarding this important project – more than a dozen ad hoc committee meetings, 5 community meetings, 6 neighborhood meetings and countless informal conversations with neighbors and stakeholders. In addition, the County Executive’s Office and Council have conducted site visits to the park, met with neighbors in their homes and hosted meetings in their county Offices.

Our preferred Master Plan design preserves approximately 75% (76 acres) of Wellington Hills County Park as natural area, open space, meadow, grass and planted areas. The miles of paved and soft surface trails for walking, running and  mountain biking will be treasured public assets. The playgrounds, picnic areas, multi-use fields, off-leash area and open play meadows provide fantastic opportunities for our citizens to recreate and reconnect with family and friends. Most importantly, Snohomish County’s elected officials and stakeholders have  supported the vision of changing a pay-to-play,  “exclusive use” site, into a public park. A site that has been under the threat of development for more than two decades has now been preserved for today’s families and future generations.

Photos of other park projects

Lake Stevens Community Park (Click image for larger view)

Environmental Checklist Supporting Documents

• Archeological Letter Report
• SEPA Final Checklist
• Determination of Nonsignificance
• Notice of Action
• Noise Analysis
• Light and Glare Analysis
• Traffic Impact Analysis
• Critical Area Study Part 1 
• Critical Area Study Part 2: Wetland B through E
• Critical Area Study Part 2: F and G
• Critical Area Study Part 2: H through K
• Critical Area Study Part 2: L 
• Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags:
  * Critical Area Study: Topographical Basemap Cover & Parcels
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 1 
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 2
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 3
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 4
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 5
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 6
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 7
  * Critical Area Study: Topographic Wetland Buffers & Flags-Sheet 8
• Environmental Site Assessment - Phase I
• Zoning Map
• Site Plan: Jan. 30, 2013
• Vicinity Map
• Geologic Investigation and Geotechnical Engineering Report
  * Appendix A through C
  * Appendix D (1)
  * Appendix D (2)
  * Appendix F through J
  * Appendix K through M

Park Exhibits:

• Aerial Photo
• Revised Concept Design for the Park - Jan. 28, 2013
• Demolition Permits - January 16, 2013
• Historic Inventory Reports - Nov. 28, 2012
      Introduction to Historic Reports
      Detail section one  
      Detail section two
      Detail section three
      Detail section four
      Detail section five
      Detail section six
      Detail section seven
      Detail section eight
      Detail section nine
      Detail section ten
• Archeological Report for Wellington Hills Park - Nov. 7, 2012
• Composite Plan (01-30-12)
• Revised Concept Design Plan (01-28-13)
• Revised Concept Design Plan (10-17-12)
• Concept Design Plan (08-30-12)
• Preliminary Program Design Criteria 
• Park Elevations Board