MARYSVILLE —The City of Marysville on Thursday celebrated the grand reopening of Mother Nature’s Window Park, restoring public access to the 34-acre forested site for the first time in more than 25 years.
Community members, partners and local leaders gathered to mark the completion of Phase I improvements at the park, which now features accessible walkways, restored historic trails, a new parking area and updated amenities designed to support environmental education and passive recreation.
“Today marks an important milestone for the City of Marysville as we reopen this beautiful 34-acre natural area and restore public access after more than 25 years,” Mayor Jon Nehring said. “Mother Nature’s Window is more than just a park. It reflects our community’s values: stewardship, connection and a shared commitment to preserving the natural spaces that make Marysville such a special place to live.”
The site was originally homesteaded in 1875 and later preserved through the vision and stewardship of local logger Merton “Mert” Turk, who transformed it into a gathering place focused on nature and stewardship. After decades of closure due to safety and funding challenges, renewed efforts beginning in 2021 led to a phased redevelopment plan to restore public access while protecting the site’s natural character.
U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA01) said the reopening gives the community more outdoor space.
“For over 25 years, this beautiful green space has been closed to our community,” DelBene said. “The reopening means more places for us to gather, for our kids to play, and for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. I’m pushing for more federal resources to continue improving this park for the Marysville community.”
The project received $750,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, secured with the support of U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA02).
“Congratulations to the City of Marysville on the long-awaited opening of Mother Nature’s Window,” Larsen said. “In 1999, I voted to acquire Mother Nature’s Window as a member of the Snohomish County Council. Four years ago, I secured federal dollars for the City of Marysville to restore public access and allow the community to enjoy the beautiful environment. Thank you to Mayor Nehring and the many current and former officials at the City of Marysville and Snohomish County who turned that long-time vision into a reality.”
Marysville Councilmember Peter Condyles spoke at the event and shared research on the park’s history, including Turk’s role in preserving the forested land for future generations. Condyles recently authored a historical paper exploring the origins and legacy of Mother Nature’s Window.
Construction by Matia Contractors, Inc., on Phase I began in 2025 and was completed earlier this year. The city plans future phases to expand amenities and programming as additional funding becomes available.
More information is available at marysvillewa.gov/mothernatureswindow.
Author: Mario Lotmore
