Vandalism in Lake Stevens prompts city to install cameras

Park bathrooms have been the main targets. The mayor hopes surveillance and watchful citizens will be deterrents.

LAKE STEVENS — Ongoing vandalism in Lake Stevens parks and public spaces has prompted the city to install security cameras, and officials are asking the community to report suspicious activity.

“It’s not just material costs, but it costs Public Works time,” Lake Stevens Mayor Brett Gailey said.

Sites like the bathrooms at Lundeen Park have been the main targets.

“In the women’s bathrooms, we’re going to be on the fourth time this year having to scrape and repaint,” Gailey said.

Vandalism has also been a frequent occurrence at the North Cove Park project where, Gailey said, the construction site is vandalized “every couple of days.”

Gailey said the addition of cameras, and more people using the parks, could help deter vandalism.

The city is hiring seasonal workers to maintain the outdoor spaces throughout the summer and seeking volunteers to help with small projects such as cleanup, planting, weeding and event assistance.

Those interested in a seasonal job can reach out to Anya Warrington, human resources director, at 425-622-9419 or awarrington@lakestevenswa.gov, and those interested in volunteering can contact Jill Meis, parks planning and development coordinator, at 425-622-9431 or jmeis@lakestevenswa.gov.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Health officials: Three confirmed measles cases in SnoCo over holidays

The visitors, all in the same family from South Carolina, went to multiple locations in Everett, Marysville and Mukilteo from Dec. 27-30.

Dog abandoned in Everett dumpster has new home and new name

Binny, now named Maisey, has a social media account where people can follow along with her adventures.

People try to navigate their cars along a flooded road near US 2 on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Sultan, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Temporary flood assistance center to open in Sultan

Residents affected by December’s historic flooding can access multiple agencies and resources.

Logo for news use featuring the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Teens accused of brutal attack on Tulalip man Monday

The man’s family says they are in disbelief after two teenagers allegedly assaulted the 63-year-old while he was starting work.

A sign notifying people of the new buffer zone around 41st Street in Everett on Wednesday, Jan. 7. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett adds fifth ‘no sit, no lie’ buffer zone at 41st Street

The city implemented the zone in mid-December, soon after the city council extended a law allowing it to create the zones.

A view of the Eastview development looking south along 79th Avenue where mud and water runoff flowed due to rain on Oct. 16, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Eastview Village critics seek appeal to overturn county’s decision

Petitioners, including two former county employees, are concerned the 144-acre project will cause unexamined consequences for unincorporated Snohomish County.

Snohomish County commuters: Get ready for more I-5 construction

Lanes will be reduced along northbound I-5 in Seattle throughout most of 2026 as WSDOT continues work on needed repairs to an aging bridge.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish man held on bail for email threat against Gov. Ferguson, AG Brown

A district court pro tem judge, Kim McClay, set bail at $200,000 Monday after finding “substantial danger” that the suspect would act violently if released.

Kathy Johnson walks through vegetation growing along a CERCLA road in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on Thursday, July 10, 2025 in Granite Falls, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Activism groups to host forest defense meeting in Bothell

The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County and the Pacific Northwest Forest Climate Alliance will discuss efforts to protect public lands in Washington.

Debris shows the highest level the Snohomish River has reached on a flood level marker located along the base of the Todo Mexico building on First Street on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
SnoCo offers programs to assist in flood mitigation and recovery

Property owners in Snohomish County living in places affected by… Continue reading

Emily Trepanier on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’m going to die’: Two childhood friends recount hours-long ordeal on Mt. Baker

A fallen tree trapped the pair partway down the mountain for several hours in the snow.

With the warm atmosphere, freshly made food and a big sign, customers should find their way to Kindred Kitchen, part of HopeWorks Station on Broadway in Everett. (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Housing Hope to close cafe, furniture store

Kindred Cafe will close on Jan. 30, and Renew Home and Decor will close on March 31, according to the nonprofit.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.