STANWOOD, Wash., June 5, 2023—The day-use area at Kayak Point Regional Park will be closed to the public starting July 5, 2023, for the Kayak Point Park Day-Use Improvement Project. Construction for Phase 1 of the approximately $20 million renovation project is scheduled to take place through at least December 31, 2023, and will provide additional recreation space, move parking away from the shoreline, improve the boat launch, and make habitat improvements. As part of implementing these changes, park infrastructure (failing water lines and buckling asphalt) will be replaced and the park will be positioned for many more years of enjoyment.
Due to sensitive fish spawning habitat along the more than one mile of shoreline at Kayak Point, the new boat launch construction must occur during the authorized in-water worktime, which falls during peak summer months. “While it is exciting to see this project get off the ground, closing such a beloved park during the summer is tough,” said Tom Teigen, Director of Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while we work hard to make major improvements to this beautiful park. In the long run, the benefits for the community, wildlife, and the environment will be worth it.”
Benefits of the Project
“This project will provide better recreational access, environmental improvements, and replace aging infrastructure,” said Sharon Swan, Director of the Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Division. “The park will continue to be a favorite location to enjoy this beautiful place that we live while being easier to maintain and updated to be an asset for generations to come.”
Safer, Easier Circulation Routes
- The new design will provide separate walking routes for pedestrians that are ADA-friendly for visitors with mobility issues. The shoreline will also be easier to access for walkers, boats, and cars.
- The boat launch parking will have tie-down lanes and areas for prepping boats to reduce traffic congestion while accessing the launch or getting to the beach.
Environmentally Designed and Longer-Lasting Infrastructure
- The renovated park will be better for the environment because the parking lot next to the shore will be replaced with an expanded beach zone with native plantings. The runoff from all the paved areas will now go through stormwater treatment.
- The road along the shore will be replaced with a backshore berm to prepare the site for sea level rise and storm surges. The design will help protect park infrastructure from significant storms by adding four to five feet of additional beach height with native habitat materials. The parking and recreation elements will also be raised.
- Many “invisible” infrastructure improvements that are important for the ongoing management of the park will take place, such as a complete overhaul of the septic system, water piping, and electrical connections.
Added Picnic Shelters and Parking Spaces
- When the project is complete, there will be renovated picnic shelters and three new shelters. All the parking will be moved to a centralized location away from the beach, with 10 new spots added. There will still be overflow parking located up the hill.
- There will be more wide-open grassy areas, and easier access to the pier, boat launch, shelters, fire pits, playground, and restrooms.
Project Details
Snohomish County Parks has led the extensive design and permitting process with a team of design and environmental experts since 2014. The renovation project is anticipated to cost approximately $20 million and is planned to be completed in multiple phases as funding allows. Grants were awarded for Phase 1 construction from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) including $2 million for the boat launch and upland improvements. Grant funds are currently being sought for Phase 2 construction.
Phase 1 (2023)
- Boat launch replacement with wider, steeper launch (elevated design allows water and sand to move underneath the launch, which is better for fish habitat and easier for launching)
- Renovating the pier: a boarding float, pier piling, and decking replacement
- New parking lot to better connect and separate cars and boat trailers from pedestrians
- Central backshore berm, interim path connections, removing paving along the shoreline, planting and removing the sea wall along the central segment
- Stormwater treatment and utility upgrades
Phase 2 Plans (Timing dependent on funding)
- Complete the parking lot
- Renovate and relocate 10 existing picnic shelters and construct three new timber-framed picnic shelters
- Extend and complete the backshore berm, remove the northern sea wall
- Create a central grassy view mound
- Renovate the playground and restroom
- Add a waterfront promenade path, a central plaza with hookups for food trucks, access trails to the beach, and plantings
- Make final stormwater and utility upgrades
More Information
The campground will remain open throughout construction with a small walking path to access an approved area of the beach for campers. The day-use area closure includes the road down to the lower park area, the parking lot, beach access, picnic shelters, pier, playground, and restrooms which will all be closed to the public. For questions about Snohomish County Parks annual pass extensions, please visit our annual pass webpage. While the Kayak Point boat launch is closed, alternate boat launches are available in Everett, Marysville, and Camano Island.
There are many ways to stay up to date on the project. You can follow along with regular updates on the project page, sign-up for the monthly e-newsletter, or follow @snocoparks on social media for behind-the-scenes photos throughout the project.
About Snohomish County Parks & Recreation
The Snohomish County Parks system is incredibly diverse and boasts almost 12,000 acres of parks and open space; over 120 park properties; 100s of miles of trails and access to fresh and saltwater shorelines. Major regional park assets such as the Evergreen State Fair Park, Kayak Point County Park, Lord Hill Regional Park, and the Centennial and Interurban Trail systems host local, regional, and national events that draw millions of visitors each year to Snohomish County.
About Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources
The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management; the Division of Parks and Recreation; the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture. DCNR works in support of thriving communities; a clean and healthy environment to foster environmental stewardship; ensuring food security; supporting a green economy and strengthening communities by providing regional parks and infrastructure; protecting the region’s water, air, land, and natural habitats; enhancing agriculture and recreation; and reducing flooding. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5758.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
