Background:
Civic Park was leased and operated by the City of Edmonds for 40 years, in 2016 the City purchased the land from the Edmonds School District. The 8-acre site was acquired with the help from funding partners at the State of Washington (Recreation and Conservation Office) and Snohomish County (Conservation Futures). In 2017 a Master Plan was developed following an extensive and robust public process lasting more than a year and was adopted by City Council.
Once the Master Plan had been approved City staff began the process of securing the funding necessary to complete design, construction documents, permits and construction. Multiple funding sources were utilized to complete the park to include funding from: The Hazel Miller Foundation, State of Washington Recreation & Conservation Office (State and Federal Grants), Snohomish County, Verdant Health Commission, the Rotary Club of Edmonds, individual donations from community members, Real Estate Excise Tax Revenue, Park Impact Fee Revenue and Bonds.
Master Plan:
The Civic Center Playfield Master Plan embraces the potential of this downtown park to contribute to a sense of community identity and civic pride while promoting active, healthy lifestyles, energizing the local economy and bolstering the city's growing reputation as a destination on Puget Sound. The legacy of the park as an iconic place for gathering, celebration and enhanced daily life is intended to serve Edmonds for generations to come.
For more information about the vision of the park and master plan, please visit HERE.
Construction:
Construction bidding occurred in early 2020 amidst the global pandemic and construction began in August of 2020. Built on the foundation of the Edmonds community's dedication and with the help of funding partners the park opened to the public on Friday, June 23, 2023.
Grand Opening:
The grand opening celebration was truly a community event with hundreds of people in attendance including Mayor, Mike Nelson, Edmonds City Council Members, Senator Marko Liias, State Representative Strom Peterson, State Representative Cindy Ryu, State of Washington Recreation & Conservation Office Director, Megan Duffy, Hazel Miller Board Member Maria Montalvo, current and former Park and Recreation Department leadership and many more.
There was a second ribbon cutting ceremony officially marking the opening of the City of Edmonds' second fulling inclusive playground. Mika's Playground is a custom designed area in which children of all abilities are able to independently interact, play and develop meaningful connection with each other. Visit this page to learn more about Mika and the Playground that was named in his honor.
The celebration included activities, food trucks and fun for all ages throughout the 8-acre park! Multiple community partners were on hand to share in their love for the outdoors and recreation. Sno-King Youth Club, Skate Like a Girl, live music, information regarding the public art, the Pétanque, pickleball/tennis and basketball courts were all active. The Hazel Miller Pollinator Meadow was the site of demonstrations from Edmonds Discovery Programs, Sound Salmon Solutions, and Backyard Habitat, teaching attendees about the different pollinators in Washington State. Finally, food trucks were on hand to ensure everyone could enjoy the evening.
Grand Opening Photos courtesy of Matt Hulbert.