SNOHOMISH COUNTY—The Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Division has recently been awarded more than $1.6 million in grant funding to support major upgrades at several popular parks across the county.
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) awarded a $500,000 Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) Grant to fund the Flowing Lake Dock and Waterfront Access Project. This project will replace an aged floating dock; create opportunities for accessible kayaking, fishing, and swimming; and create an educational and accessible waterfront experience. Design, permitting, and construction are on track to be completed in late 2026.
Flowing Lake Park is located at 17900 48th St. SE in the City of Snohomish. The park also known as Leckie’s Beach, is an immensely popular park that offers a variety of recreational activities. The day-use area provides access to the beach and amenities which include a boat launch, fishing dock, playground, picnic tables, picnic shelters and an amphitheater. For those that wish to stay a little longer, the park includes a campground with a mix of cabins and campsites and a heated restroom with showers. A nature trail encompasses a portion of the campground for those seeking a little solitude.
“We’re incredibly grateful for RCO’s ongoing investment in public access and outdoor recreation in Snohomish County,” said Parks Director Sharon Walker. “These park improvements will lead to safer, more inclusive waterfront and park spaces, and helps our local dollars go further.”
Snohomish County Parks & Recreation was also awarded a $681,175 Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program – Local Parks Category (WWRP-LP) Grant for a potential acquisition to expand Martha Lake Park. This grant, also provided by RCO, will help achieve the goals of the Martha Lake Park Improvement Project at the east entrance, updating access to the park and providing additional parking capacity.
Martha Lake Park is located at 16300 E. Shore Drive in Lynnwood. This 6-acre park offers a precious natural setting within the heart of a fast-growing urban area. The park includes a fishing dock, boardwalks through wetlands and three reservable picnic shelters. An elaborate playground is located near the parking area.
Before Martha Lake County Park was developed, it was known and operated under private ownership as “Martha Lake Resort.” The previous owners of the property hoped to develop condominiums or a business park on the property. Community groups organized and requested that the property be developed into a regional park. After the owner’s development plans proved to be infeasible by the county, the wishes of the community groups were realized and Snohomish County Parks and Recreation Division began the process for park acquisition and development. The project was strongly supported by the Martha Lake Community Club and local lake residents.
Funding awarded through the Healthy Kids Initiative Grant from Play and Park Structures, will provide matching funds for new playgrounds at both Martha Lake Airport Park and Paine Field Community Park. Each park project had initially planned for $250,000 worth of playground equipment. With the grant, those budgets for equipment have effectively doubled to $500,000 each, allowing for more dynamic and inclusive play areas. For both playground design projects, the Parks Division is asking the public to provide feedback on the park designs through online surveys in August.
“These grants allow us to dream bigger—and then deliver those dreams to our community,” said Walker. “We can’t wait for our park visitors to see what’s coming next.”
Community members are encouraged to learn more and weigh in on upcoming plans on the Current Park Project webpage.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
