EDMONDS — Plans to convert Civic Field into an eight-acre city park have been given a boost from the Hazel Miller Foundation, which has pledged a total of $1.5 million for the project.
“We’re just delighted and stunned,” said Mayor Dave Earling. “It’s a wonderful thing.”
Earling also has proposed earmarking $2 million for the project in the city’s 2018 budget.
The overall cost of redeveloping the land is projected to be up to $12 million. The city will pursue potential grants from the county and the state, along with private donations, said Carrie Hite, the parks director.
The land, at 310 6th Ave. N, is the site of the former Edmonds High School. Plans include a walking path around the perimeter, a redesigned skate board park, six petanque courts, a sports field and a plaza.
When complete, the park, one of the city’s largest, will provide space for major public events.
The former high school’s stadium is expected to be demolished in January. Construction on the park could begin in 2019.
The property has been used as a park since 1975. But little has changed over the years because the land was owned by the Edmonds School District.
In 2015, the city reached an agreement with the school district to purchase the land near the Boys & Girls Club for $1.9 million.
The Hazel Miller Foundation is a nonprofit that provides funding for projects in Edmonds and south Snohomish County. It was established as a trust by Edmonds philanthropist Hazel Miller.
The city expects to launch a drive for public donations for park development in the coming year, Hite said.
Anyone interested in making a donation may contact her at 425-771-0256 or carrie.hite@edmondswa.gov.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com
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