Wrong to price average folks out

First I wish to commend the city of Mukilteo for their fabulous efforts in the improvements to Lighthouse Park — the prettiest spots in the whole North Sound area. The playground, fire-pits and walkways are superb. As Tuesday’s letter writer points out, the state of Washington did give the park to the city, in addition to the United States Coast Guard donating the lighthouse itself. I wish Everett would make similar use of its vast waterfront for public access and enjoyment.

However, I also agree that the establishment of parking fees is a bad idea. While the park is popular in the nice weather we have had this winter, it is also a nearly empty place in the inclement weather and equally enjoyable to those who bundle up to go there.

Adding fees will not reduce traffic — if that is one of the intents of the city. It will only change the demographic of who comes to the park via auto. The “parking problem” has come up before and was successfully mediated with the construction of the roundabout to make it easy to get out when the lot is full.

I have lived in Mukilteo for 25 years and watched the city lose multiple opportunities to make better use of the waterfront for the public to enjoy. Lighthouse Park is an exception, but the implementation of fees will serve only to prevent the inclusion of families that enjoy the playground with their young children. I have seen the kids playing there and surmised that the city has provided an idyllic spot for families of limited resources to do something truly special for their children — all for the price of gas and a picnic basket with homemade goodies. The same is true for young folks and senior citizens who can enjoy nature and an to make inexpensive getaway a real treat.

Adding $5 to the already high price of gas to get there is simply selfish and certainly against the spirit of the gift from both the state and federal governments and Mother Nature herself.

Andy Branca

Mukilteo