Final Lord Hill Regional Park Preferred Plan released

SNOHOMISH, Wash., July 8, 2022 – The Snohomish County Division of Parks and Recreation released the final Lord Hill Regional Park Preferred Plan yesterday. The 114-page report outlines the history of the intensive planning process and the plan for the future, which includes a comprehensive trail system and signage plan. This updated cohesive system will balance the recreation needs of multiple user groups and will result in a safer, more enjoyable and sustainable park.

The Preferred Plan takes a holistic and long-term look at how recreation uses interact with each other and the environment within the park. The process documented the existing site conditions and trail system and used this foundation to optimize the trails and features within the park to improve safety, user experience and minimize impact to the environment. Last updated in 1996, the plan was refined through extensive public outreach and conversations over six years with local stakeholders, the broader community, the trail design and planning team, and park staff.

“Thank you to the many Snohomish County residents whose input through surveys, meetings, letters and interviews was critical to this plan,” said Jeremy Husby, Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Division Director. “The Preferred Plan lays the groundwork for the promising next chapter of the park.”

“We all love Lord Hill, we just don’t want to love it to death,” said Emily Griffith, Senior Park Planner for Snohomish County Parks & Recreation. “That’s why this plan is so important to create a safe, enjoyable and sustainable trail system which responds to current needs and ensures that Lord Hill can be enjoyed for years to come.”

The highlights of the plan include:

A cohesive trail system update
Updated trail guidelines for all trail building
A balanced system of multi-use, hiking-only, hiking/biking, biking-only and equestrian/hiking trails
Increased safety at trail intersections
North entrance reconfiguration including a parking lot swap
Decommissioning of unsustainable and/or rogue trails
A comprehensive wayfinding and signage plan