Duvall buys additional Big Rock lots; commission discusses 'Baba Yaga' treehouse and passive-park uses

City staff briefed the Cultural Commission on the recent acquisition of several parcels at Big Rock Park and preliminary thinking about potential features for the expanded parkland.

Staff said the city recently purchased two lots south of the Big Rock ball field and three lots to the north, increasing the park footprint roughly threefold. Funding for portions of the acquisition came from the King County Conservation Hub, and staff noted that the grant carries restrictions requiring passive uses (walking trails, interpretive features) rather than active-recreation facilities such as ball fields.

Commissioners proposed several creative ideas for the expanded passive-park areas, including a "Baba Yaga" treehouse or nature-play structure that would sit discreetly within the forest and serve as an interactive art and play element. Commissioners discussed constraints tied to shoreline and conservation regulations for several other parks (for example, McCormick Park and Taylor's Landing were described as difficult sites for new structures because of state or joint ownership restrictions).

Staff emphasized the suitability of Big Rock for interpretive and passive features because the Conservation Hub funding allows trails and low-impact amenities. The commission discussed the potential for an artist-in-residence program connected to the treehouse concept and the need to discuss permissibility with grant and conservation partners before committing to a permanent structure.

Next steps: staff said they will consult with conservation grant administrators and the city's park-planning contractors to determine the permissible scope of amenities on the newly acquired Big Rock parcels and return to the commission with a feasibility assessment.