ARLINGTON — The Smokey Point area could have a new community park in a few years.
The city of Arlington plans to buy about 2¼ acres of vacant land for the park at the northeast corner of Smokey Point Boulevard and 178th Place NE. It’s an area with few neighborhood parks.
“We’ve been talking about it about 10 years to create a main park in Smokey Point and a sense of place,” City Administrator Paul Ellis said.
The city will pay $961,625 to the Smokey Point Community Church for the land. The Arlington City Council unanimously approved the purchase on Oct. 17.
Ellis said the idea is to create a space for farmers markets and art and music events. There will likely be a small playground, restrooms and a gathering area.
He said the new park fits into the city’s plan for a neighborhood corridor along a 2-mile stretch of Smokey Point Boulevard. The multi-year project will add sidewalks and bike lanes amid anticipated rapid growth in Arlington.
Ellis said the city will seek input on the new park from neighborhood groups and the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission with the goal to create a “safe and inviting park for the community.”
The city is funding the land purchase with sales tax revenue from construction and developers’ fees.
Ellis estimates the sale will close by year’s end. The hope is to open the park by the end of 2024.
Jacqueline Allison: 425-339-3434; jacqueline.allison@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jacq_allison.
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