Re-Elect Dave Gossett - Home

Parks and Open Space

As more people move into Snohomish County parks and open space become increasingly important. Our kids need places to run and play. Youth sports need fields for practice and to play games. And all of us need places where we can take a walk or go on a picnic away from the activity of suburban and urban life.

Dave has worked hard to increase the number of ballfields, trails, playgrounds, and neighborhood parks. He’has worked to make sure that we have more opportunities for both passive and active recreation. Some of the parks he’has worked for in our neighborhoods include:

* Willis Tucker Park (near Cathcart): The park includes trails, a playground, athletic fields, restrooms, a water spray play area, and an off-leash dog area. Additional facilities are planned in the future.

* Tutmark Hill Park (near 15th and Maple Road): A cooperative effort between the county and Lynnwood, both contributed funds toward the purchase of the property. Construction will begin this summer.

* Locust Way Neighborhood Park (near intersection of Locust and Lockwood): This 7 acre site preserves open space with opportunities for passive recreation such as trails and picnicking.

* Canyon Park Junior High School: A cooperative effort of the Northshore School District, the City of Bothell, Snohomish County, and the Northshore Soccer Association, this project renovated an existing field. Lighting and artificial turf have made the field available year round for youth athletics.

* Martha Lake Airport Park: Construction on phase 1 began early this year with an opening scheduled for early 2010. This 30 acre park will include athletic fields, a play area, restrooms, and trails. An off-leash dog area is also being considered.

* Tambark Creek Park (near 35th and 180th): This 40 acre site had been posted “No Trespassing” until Dave worked with the neighborhood and department to open the park for local neighborhood use in 2004. Neighbors, park employees, and jail inmates added a trail system in 2005. Brightwater mitigation funds will be used to add athletic fields, a playground, an improved trail system, parking, and restrooms.

* 228th and 45th Park: This 13 acre site was purchased in 2008. Working with the neighborhood a master plan has been developed which will include trails, picnicking, and a large grassy area.

Making sure our families have recreational opportunities means working together with other governments and private organizations to make the best use of our money. Dave has been a leader in working with others as seen in the Tutmark Hill and Canyon Park Junior High School projects above. He’has also worked to provide small grants to non-profits and other governments through the YARD (Youth Amenities Recreation Development) program. This program leverages other community resources to provide low cost neighborhood improvements. Projects funded in 2008 included:

Dave Gossett