MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — The City Council on Sept. 8 approved a master plan for Ballinger Park, following a series of public meetings that began in 2013.
The plan developed by Berger Partnership of Seattle calls for restoring Hall Creek to a more natural, meandering path in an area that has tennis courts now. The northern portion of the park would accommodate the existing athletic fields along with a new play area, restrooms, trails and wetlands. The center of the park would include community gardens, a native plant orchard, a paved terrace and a formal green.
The west side would feature pathways, rolling landscapes, a new bridge over Hall Creek, a viewing platform and boardwalk. The east side would feature active recreation, such as the fishing pier and boat launch there now.
City officials will be seeking grant funds to pay for the park development.
The 42-acre property was previously used as a municipal golf course and was converted to a passive park when golf course operators stepped away in 2012.
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