Marysville proposes $13 million plan for park upgrade

Published 1:30 am Saturday, October 29, 2016

MARYSVILLE — City staff are proposing a $13 million plan to upgrade a park on Marysville’s waterfront.

That’s about half as much money as a consultant recommended.

The improvements at Ebey Waterfront Park are included in the city’s proposed budget for 2017-18. City councilmembers started working on the budget earlier this week. They plan to continue reviewing numbers until a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 14.

The city already has $7 million in reserves for the waterfront park project and plans a $5 million bond for most of the rest. Officials also are hoping for a grant to help pay for Olympic View Park on the east side of the Qwuloolt Estuary.

Gloria Hirashima, Marysville’s chief administrative officer, told councilmembers Monday that city staff think they can accomplish the park project for $13 million, in part by eliminating a building that was part of the consultant’s plan. An elevated boardwalk over wetlands, which would probably take 10 years or so to permit, also was left out, along with some loops in the trail.

Hirashima said the park could spur economic development, with private businesses possibly playing a role. Parks Director Jim Ballew said the park also could increase ecotourism.

One item not in the budget is a new police station.

Hirashima said one is critically needed, but the city could not find a funding source.

A consultant said the city could build one for up to $48 million. The city thinks it could cost less than that. A bond in 2018 might be needed, Hirashima said.

The current police station is 30 years old and was built when the city had 8,000 people. Now, nearly 70,000 call Marysville home.