Bothell unveils early vision for 89-acre Wayne Open Space, seeks public input on trails, ecology and access

Bothell Parks staff and consultants presented an early-stage action plan for the 89-acre Wayne Open Space (the former golf course) and asked residents to help shape priorities for restoration, access and recreational uses.

Aaron Milner, planning and development manager for Bothell Parks, opened the meeting and introduced the Berger Partnership design team, saying, "We're really, really excited to have you all here tonight and hear your input." Consultant Guy Michaelson emphasized that the team is building on earlier work — including ongoing Juanita Creek and Sammamish River restoration efforts — and encouraged attendees to "dream big" about the site's future while recognizing funding and regulatory constraints.

The presentation outlined several recurring ideas: preserve and enhance riparian and wetland habitat along the Sammamish River through invasive removal and off-channel habitat; retain open fairway meadow character where ecologically valuable; create a 5-acre trailhead/arrival area for limited parking and amenities; and designate an "active zone" where more structured recreation (play areas, a pavilion or small building) could be concentrated. The team also flagged bridges and crossings as critical safety and connectivity elements but warned that bridges are expensive and subject to lengthy regulatory review.

Consultants suggested multiple trail typologies — from universally accessible boardwalks to narrower "discovery" paths and occasional interpretive or playful structures — and discussed using on-site grading material to "amplify topography" for overlooks and accessible experiences. They proposed thinking of adjacent roads and regional trails (the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River Trail) as park connections or portals rather than barriers.

Residents raised specific concerns and ideas during a Q&A and public comment period. A frequent park user (Resident, Speaker 5) urged the team to "make it safe for the current crowd of users," noting that most visitors arrive with dogs: "98% of the people that I encounter in the park... have a dog with them." The consultant team acknowledged tensions around dog management and said property and acquisition conditions limit what can be designated as off-leash space. Another attendee (Resident, Speaker 2) urged using the park for outdoor classrooms and asked whether mountain-bike skill areas or a pump track could be sited in the active zone; staff said the planning process will evaluate whether those uses fit given site constraints.

Accessibility between the front and back 9 was a recurring issue. One resident (Speaker 6) asked how the plan will ensure handicapped access across steep grades; consultants said universal access is a priority but that engineering solutions — including bridge or parking connections at Blythe Park — will need further study. A resident worried about vehicle speeds on the road adjacent to the park and cited Kirkland counts; consultants said specific road design ideas (parkway-style buffers and slower-speed treatments) can be developed if the community prioritizes them.

Staff closed by inviting attendees to three topic stations and to complete an online or paper survey launched the same day. No formal decisions or motions were made; the team said the action plan will be shaped by survey responses, board discussions and phased implementation tied to funding.

The city encouraged continued input and stewardship partnerships already active on the site, including volunteers who have worked on restoration with Whale Scouts and King County partners. Designers said the process will return with more detailed options for public review as priorities, funding and regulatory constraints are clarified.