Two options would let Willow Creek cut loose

EDMONDS — Plans are under way to free Willow Creek, which runs through Edmonds Marsh, from an underground pipe and turn it into a free-flowing stream.

The question is: What route should it take to Puget Sound?

The project might sound simple enough, but it involves working in a saltwater-to-freshwater marsh, restoring salmon habitat and choosing a path through an area surrounded by railroad tracks and two popular draws to the waterfront area — an off-leash dog park and Marina Beach.

The options are to cut through Marina Beach Park or to a second proposed route that would run between the off-leash dog area and the park.

The first option comes out of a culvert and turns northwest through a nearby parking lot and would be cut through the existing hill in Marina Beach Park.

Biologist say that’s the best route for fish, but it would mean modifying the park area by digging a creek bed through part of the park, said Carrie Hite, the city’s parks, recreation and cultural services director. It would likely include putting in two pedestrian bridges and redesigning the park, she said.

The second option would have the stream run perpendicular to the railroad and then out to Puget Sound. “It does meander a bit, but it doesn’t cut through the middle of the active part of the park or the off-leash areas,” Hite said. “It follows the existing south parking lot primarily.”

An open house is schedule from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Edmonds Plaza Room above the Edmonds Library to discuss the two routes. The city also would like to hear from the public about what amenities to add to the park, such as restrooms.

City Council member Diane Buckshnis, who also serves on the Willow Creek project advisory committee, said the restoration is by far the largest creek restoration project under way in Edmonds. Although the overall cost of the creek restoration is expected to hit several million dollars, she said she’s optimistic that the city has a good chance of receiving state and federal grants for the project, since it involves salmon recovery.

Willow Creek was encased in an underground pipe in the early 1960s, when the Edmonds Marina was built, said Jerry Shuster, a manager in the city’s stormwater engineering program. Before the area was settled, there probably wasn’t a definite creek channel, he said. “It just spread through the marsh and into the Sound.”

The cost of uncovering, or “daylighting,” the creek is estimated at about $5 million, he said. That doesn’t include the cost of improvements at Marina Beach Park.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.

Open house

The plan to free Willow Creek from pipes, enhance salmon habitat and update plans for nearby Marina Beach Park will be discussed during an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The meeting will be in the Edmonds Plaza Room above the Edmonds Library at 650 Main St.

The route the creek should take to Puget Sound will be discussed. People also can participate through a virtual open house Thursday through May 28 at marinabeach.publicmeeting.info. For more information, call 425-771-0230.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

A firefighter stands in silence before a panel bearing the names of L. John Regelbrugge and Kris Regelbrugge during the ten-year remembrance of the Oso landslide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Flood of emotions’ as Oso Landslide Memorial opens on 10th anniversary

Friends, family and first responders held a moment of silence at 10:37 a.m. at the new 2-acre memorial off Highway 530.

Julie Petersen poses for a photo with images of her sister Christina Jefferds and Jefferds’ grand daughter Sanoah Violet Huestis next to a memorial for Sanoah at her home on March 20, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. Peterson wears her sister’s favorite color and one of her bangles. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
‘It just all came down’: An oral history of the Oso mudslide

Ten years later, The Daily Herald spoke with dozens of people — first responders, family, survivors — touched by the deadliest slide in U.S. history.

Victims of the Oso mudslide on March 22, 2014. (Courtesy photos)
Remembering the 43 lives lost in the Oso mudslide

The slide wiped out a neighborhood along Highway 530 in 2014. “Even though you feel like you’re alone in your grief, you’re really not.”

Director Lucia Schmit, right, and Deputy Director Dara Salmon inside the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management on Friday, March 8, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
How Oso slide changed local emergency response ‘on virtually every level’

“In a decade, we have just really, really advanced,” through hard-earned lessons applied to the pandemic, floods and opioids.

Ron and Gail Thompson at their home on Monday, March 4, 2024 in Oso, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In shadow of scarred Oso hillside, mudslide’s wounds still feel fresh

Locals reflected on living with grief and finding meaning in the wake of a catastrophe “nothing like you can ever imagine” in 2014.

Everett mall renderings from Brixton Capital. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Topgolf at the Everett Mall? Mayor’s hint still unconfirmed

After Cassie Franklin’s annual address, rumors circled about what “top” entertainment tenant could be landing at Everett Mall.

Everett
Everett man sentenced to 3 years of probation for mutilating animals

In 2022, neighbors reported Blayne Perez, 35, was shooting and torturing wildlife in north Everett.

Dorothy Crossman rides up on her bike to turn in her ballot  on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett leaders plan to ask voters for property tax increase

City officials will spend weeks hammering out details of a ballot measure, as Everett faces a $12.6 million deficit.

Starbucks employee Zach Gabelein outside of the Mill Creek location where he works on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mill Creek Starbucks votes 21-1 to form union

“We obviously are kind of on the high of that win,” store bargaining delegate Zach Gabelein said.

Lynnwood police respond to a collision on highway 99 at 176 street SW. (Photo provided by Lynnwood Police)
Southbound lanes on Highway 99 reopen after crash

The crash, on Highway 99 at 176th Street SW, blocked traffic for over an hour. Traffic was diverted to 168th Street SW.

The view of Mountain Loop Mine out the window of a second floor classroom at Fairmount Elementary on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County: Everett mining yard violated order to halt work next to school

At least 10 reports accused OMA Construction of violating a stop-work order next to Fairmount Elementary. A judge will hear the case.

Imagine Children's Museum's incoming CEO, Elizabeth "Elee" Wood. (Photo provided by Imagine Children's Museum)
Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett to welcome new CEO

Nancy Johnson, who has led Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett for 25 years, will retire in June.

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.