In 2025, Snohomish County witnessed a surge of major construction projects and community-focused developments that reshaped infrastructure, housing, and public spaces. Below is our highlights for our coverage in 2025.
Senator Liias and Sno-Isle staff visit future site of new Mariner Library Community Campus
Demolition of Patty’s Eggnest restaurant in South Everett’s Mariner neighborhood began on November 25, 2025, to clear space for a permanent Sno-Isle Library branch—the first ground-up build based on the 2017 demonstration library model. Senator Marko Liias and Executive Director Eric Howard toured the site, where 90-95% of materials are being recycled. The new facility, serving 230,000 residents in unincorporated Snohomish County, will act as a “third place” with tutoring, career services, and language support for a diverse, low-income area facing youth violence. Draft plans range from 15,000–50,000 sq ft; a 2026 feasibility study will finalize design. Future Everett Link light rail (2037–2041) will improve access.
Community leaders get first look inside upcoming Lynnwood Neighborhood Center
On September 5, 2025, leaders toured the nearing-completion Lynnwood Neighborhood Center (LNC), a 40,000 sq ft LEED-certified facility opening in January 2026. The $26.6 million project, led by Volunteers of America with partners like Rick Steves (matching final $1M), features solar energy, an all-electric kitchen, and spaces for early learning (80 children), senior services (250 people), healthcare, and immigrant support. It will serve over 20,000 annually, promoting education, health, and stability in south Snohomish County. Attendees included Mayor Christine Frizzell, Rep. Strom Peterson, and other officials who praised its community impact. Construction began April 2024.
Sultan celebrates opening of the new Mountain View Park
The City of Sultan held a ribbon-cutting for Mountain View Park on September 24, 2025 (soft opening March 1), its first park in the Sultan Basin area. The 4-acre site at 14027 Dogwood Court includes a playground, basketball court, hill climb, walking trail, bathrooms, and parking. It addresses recreational gaps in the residential zone, funded by state appropriations, Snohomish County grants, and local park impact fees, aligning with the 2020 Parks Plan and 2023 naming resolution. Mayor Russell Wiita and Councilman Sam Low highlighted its value for community gathering and outdoor access.
City of Lynnwood cuts the ribbon on its Scriber Lake Boardwalk Trail
On June 4, 2025, Lynnwood unveiled the rebuilt Scriber Lake Boardwalk Trail after 40 years of deterioration. The new 8-foot-wide, ADA-compliant elevated structure (1,100 linear feet) features steel pin-piles, fiberglass decking, viewpoints, seating, signage, restrooms, and wetland enhancements for stormwater and habitat (waterfowl, osprey, bass, otter, beaver). Funded by $2.5M from Washington RCO (after initial denial and rapid progress), $2M ARPA, county/partnership grants, and local funds. Mayor Christine Frizzell and Parks Director Joel Feber celebrated its removal of 40 ADA barriers and year-round access to the 24-acre park.
Hundreds attend grand opening of new North County PUD Office Complex in Arlington
Snohomish County PUD opened its $43.5M North County Office Complex in Arlington on March 22, 2025, replacing seismically vulnerable offices. The LEED Gold facility serves north Marysville, Arlington, Darrington, Stanwood, and Camano Island with a 25,900 sq ft office, warehouse, training yard, community spaces, and solar array (53.8 MWh/year). It includes a $12M Arlington microgrid for disaster resilience and 7+ EV chargers. Hundreds attended the ribbon-cutting, with leaders like CEO John Haarlow, Arlington Mayor Don Vanney, and Rep. Sam Low praising its sustainability, reliability, and emergency readiness.
Red Bridge 537 gets repairs and a fresh coat of red paint
Red Bridge 537 (built 1954, 161 ft long over South Fork Stillaguamish River on Mountain Loop Hwy near Granite Falls) underwent summer 2025 repairs (June–October), including safe lead paint removal, minor structural fixes, and repainting in Insignia Red. Originally blue, it was repainted beige (1970s) then red (1990s) to honor the historic 1893 railroad bridge. Public Works Director Kelly Snyder noted the work addresses corrosion and deterioration.
Lynnwood teams up with Kaiser Permanente and FPA to beautify Mesika Trail in honor of MLK
On January 20, 2025 (MLK Day), nearly 125 volunteers restored the Mesika Trail—a forested loop behind Lynnwood City Hall—through weed removal, 60 yards of gravel replacement, and planting 25 native plants/14 trees (cedars, firs, snowberry). The ninth annual event, partnered with Kaiser Permanente and Family Peace Association, addressed invasive overgrowth and disrepair after 1995 construction. Speakers including Rep. Rick Larsen, Mayor Christine Frizzell, and Dr. Linda Tolbert emphasized ongoing service in honor of MLK.
Sultan celebrates the opening of its new multi-million-dollar wastewater treatment plant
On September 24, 2025, federal, state, and local officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the City of Sultan’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (30403 U.S. Highway 2) to mark the completion of major upgrades. This largest capital project in the city’s history nearly doubles treatment capacity with a new oxidation ditch, secondary clarifier, and upgraded biosolids facility, ensuring proper wastewater treatment before discharge into the Sultan River and supporting future population growth.
The upgrades were prompted by a 2021 exceedance of 85% permit capacity and a 2018 centrifuge failure. Funding included a $3 million federal appropriation from the FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill (secured by the congressional delegation and signed by President Biden in December 2022), plus a low-interest loan from the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
