STANWOOD—Snohomish County Parks is reopening the day-use area of Kayak Point Regional Park two weeks earlier than originally planned. The park will re-open on June 14, 2024, after being closed for construction since July 5, 2023.
The pier (usually used for fishing and crabbing) will remain closed the entire summer, due to in-water construction for the new pier that is required to occur during the summer months, when work is least likely to impact aquatic life.
What will be open?
- Beach, trails, parking, restrooms
- Picnic shelters (reservations are open but not reservable until July 1)
- New boat launch
- Campground
- Overflow parking
- Water trail campsites
What will be closed?
- Pier (no access; no fishing/crabbing from pier)
- Not all ADA amenities are constructed yet in the interim phase
- Playground
What will be different?
- Be aware of new traffic patterns – pay attention to all signs
- New boat launch lane, queuing lane, boarding float, trailer parking, tie-down areas
- Pier construction may impact noise and traffic
“From its 3,300-foot shoreline to its evergreen forest and yurt village, Kayak Point Regional Park provides a rich setting for a variety of outdoor activities that both residents and visitors enjoy, including camping, picnicking, and hiking,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Kayak Point is a well-loved park, and I’m glad we are able to open early and make design improvements that will increase accessibility, safety, and sustainability.”
“Kayak Point Regional Park is one of the gems of the Snohomish County Park System,” said Snohomish County Council Vice-Chair Nate Nehring (District 1). “Residents and visitors of Snohomish County enjoy the offerings at the park, and I am excited about the investments we are making in the park. Opening the day-use area will allow for ongoing enjoyment of the park while construction continues to move forward.”
“We are very excited we can open Kayak Point Regional Park early – giving visitors three extra weekends to enjoy the park this summer,” said Sharon Swan, Snohomish County Parks Director. “The park is still not complete, and construction on the pier will continue through the summer, but in the interim the community can still enjoy their favorite saltwater park.”
Phase 1 began in July 2023 and included a single-lane, elevated boat launch, a boarding float, debris deflectors, queuing lanes, vehicle and truck/trailer parking, underground utilities, and part of the new soft backshore berm to provide park resiliency during storms and sea level rise. Parks staff have applied for grants for Phase 2 construction which will include updates to the rest of the day use area recreation, habitat, and infrastructure improvements located to the north and south of the Phase 1 improvements. The dates of Phase 2 construction are currently unknown but will require additional park closures. The community will be updated about future construction on the project webpage and Parks newsletter. For more information about the day use renovation project, annual pass information, frequently asked questions and more, visit the project page here.
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; hundreds 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.
SOURCE: Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Press Release
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
