Lynnwood light rail leads to new trees in Mountlake Terrace

Published 1:30 am Monday, June 30, 2025

Mountlake Terrace replaced trees removed during construction of the Lynnwood light rail at two popular parks with funds from Sound Transit.

For permitting, Sound Transit paid the City of Mountlake Terrace a fee to offset tree removals during construction for the Lynnwood Link Extension light rail project. The city utilized the money to plant over 175 new saplings at Ballinger and Matt Hirvelä Bicentennial Parks, as part of their “Trees for Parks” project.

At Bicentennial Park, new trees will replace the dozens of decaying trees that had to be removed over the last decade. Ballinger Park’s new trees are planted on the west and east sides of the park and will eventually provide shade for the newly installed playground.

The new trees come just in time for July, which marks the 40th anniversary for National Park and Recreation Month.

Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@heraldnet.com; X: @BTayOkay