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Everett parks staff outline multiple upgrades: river access, courts, playgrounds and paths
Summary
At the May 13 committee meeting, Parks Director Kimberly Moore outlined progress and timelines for major projects including the Eclipse Mill riverfront launch, Forest Park pickleball complex (mid-July), Edgewater Park reconstruction (groundbreaking in August), Garfield and Walter Hall playground replacements, and the city's first skate "skate dot."
Kimberly Moore, Everett's parks and facilities director, briefed the council committee on a slate of capital projects and timelines on May 13.
Eclipse Mill: Moore described a city-led phase one of water-side amenities at Eclipse Mill along the Snohomish River that will add a large viewing deck, a gang plank and launch facilities for kayaks and canoes; the in-water work must occur inside an August'October fish-window. Phase two will be developed by Shelter Holdings and includes a 3-acre park tied to adjacent multifamily development.
Forest Park pickleball complex: Construction is under way at Forest Park; staff expect completion around mid-July. Planned features include four competitive pickleball courts, three dedicated courts, three shared-use courts (basketball/street hockey), horseshoe and cornhole sets. Moore said earth-moving and wetter weather delayed work but the project is progressing.
Edgewater Park: A full park reconstruction funded in part by a Recreation and Conservation Office grant is expected to break ground in August. Moore said the design includes a multi-use sports court (pickleball and full basketball), a natural play structure for ages 2'5, seasonal shade structures, seating and a walking path; staff have done repeated community outreach during the planning process.
Garfield and Wiggums playgrounds: Moore said Garfield playground demolition begins the week of May 13 with turf installation expected in early June and an anticipated opening about June 22, timing permitting. Wiggums playground, replaced after an October 2025 fire, should be finished by the end of May. Moore said the department is using artificial turf on playgrounds for durability and accessibility and expects those surfaces to hold up well if a 15-year replacement cycle is maintained.
Walter E-H Hall path and playground: A new fully paved ADA path connecting Westmont to Walter Hall Park is nearing completion and was funded largely with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars. Moore said the Walter Hall playground replacement was pulled forward from 2028, expanded in scope from an initial $350,000 estimate to roughly $650,000 and could approach $1 million as the design grows.
Other items: The city's first small skate feature (a "skate dot") is staged for fence removal in mid-June; Thornne Sullivan floating docks will be repaired this month after contract delays; several park restrooms (Thornne Sullivan, Forest Park, Legion Park) have been renovated and automated door alerts were added to improve custodial response.
Moore asked the committee to notify staff of other neighborhood access improvements; council members requested future updates on Vision Zero, vacant storefronts and the Fred Meyers property.
