SNOHOMISH — In a few years, the first phase of a new Snohomish River Trail might make it possible to walk from Everett to Snohomish.

The goal of the joint effort by the Snohomish County Parks and the city of Everett is to connect Everett to Monroe. For now, the 5½-mile first phase would link the future Centennial Trail South extension to the east and the Everett trail system and the Interurban Trail to the west.

The county has been looking to link Everett and Snohomish since the mid-1980s.

“The City of Everett is excited to support Snohomish County who is leading the way on this trail project,” city spokesperson Nichole Webber said in an email. “Once the trail reaches Everett, we hope to extend it and potentially connect it to the Interurban Trail.”

In 2020, the county purchased land from Puget Sound Energy for the future trail corridor for $232,000. The purchase was supported by funding from the Conservation Futures Program, which uses property tax money to preserve open space, agricultural and timber land.

The project is in the early stages, with designs beginning last year and construction estimated to start in 2027.

In April, county staff selected Toole Design Group for development of the project.

“We’re trying to figure out which [design] makes the most sense, in terms of running through a floodplain and running alongside blueberry growing fields,” said Snohomish County senior parks planner Ed Pottharst.

A changing climate might heighten flood risks for the trail, Pottharst noted.

“We need to be thoughtful about where we put the trail and whether we have elevated sections in some places,” he said.

In July, the regional trail project’s team began gathering public input. People brought up wanting trail etiquette signs, public fishing spots and art.

“A lot of people were very excited to hear about a possible connection between the Interurban trail and Centennial Trail,” Pottharst said.

Farmers, meanwhile, have expressed concerns about a trail next to their fields, Pottharst said. He added that the county is committed to finding a design that supports farmers and that trails can benefit nearby farmers by increasing access to farm stands.

The county will have more opportunities for public comment next year after deciding on a preferred path for the trail.

Eliza Aronson: 425-339-3434; eliza.aronson@heraldnet.com; X: @ElizaAronson. Eliza’s stories are supported by the Herald’s Environmental and Climate Reporting Fund.