Lyla Goody, 8, in town from Idaho visiting her aunt, collects seashells with her brother Dax, 12, and father Grey, during the reopening of Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. The Goody kids have never seen seashells in the wild before and were excited to get up close and take a look at the shells that have collected on the shore during Kayak Point’s nearly year-long closure. The park opened earlier than anticipated this year, but the pier and the new playground remain closed to the public as renovations continue. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Lyla Goody, 8, in town from Idaho visiting her aunt, collects seashells with her brother Dax, 12, and father Grey, during the reopening of Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. The Goody kids have never seen seashells in the wild before and were excited to get up close and take a look at the shells that have collected on the shore during Kayak Point’s nearly year-long closure. The park opened earlier than anticipated this year, but the pier and the new playground remain closed to the public as renovations continue. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Photography

Kayak Point reopens ahead of schedule

The county’s most popular park reopened Friday.

STANWOOD — Kayak Point Regional Park reopened ahead of schedule Friday.

County staff closed the most popular park in Snohomish County’s system for construction in July 2023.

An earlier prediction suggested the park would open July 1.

Kayak Point welcomes 180,000 visitors each year, with crabbing, fishing, hiking, camping, beachside fire pits and picnic shelters.

In the next phase of construction, workers will remove more of a sea wall, move picnic shelters from the beach, build another berm and plant native vegetation along the shore.

County staff expect phase two to temporarily close the park again Oct. 15, assuming the project receives a federal grant.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

Gallery
Children fish in the water and climb near the renovated boat launch at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Park Ranger assistant Aidan Link does his best to remove debris from the top of the restroom at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. Link said park staff are still working to tidy up the park as they prepare for the busy season. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Two visitors comb the beach at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The new playground at Kayak Point Regional County Park is still fenced off for the time being on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Children fish in the water and climb near the renovated boat launch at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Park Ranger assistant Aidan Link does his best to remove debris from the top of the restroom at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. Link said park staff are still working to tidy up the park as they prepare for the busy season. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Two visitors comb the beach at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

The new playground at Kayak Point Regional County Park is still fenced off for the time being on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

More in Local News

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee proposed his final state budget on Tuesday. It calls for a new wealth tax, an increase in business taxes, along with some programs and a closure of a women’s prison. The plan will be a starting point for state lawmakers in the 2025 legislative session. (Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard)
Inslee proposes taxing the wealthy and businesses to close budget gap

His final spending plan calls for raising about $13 billion over four years from additional taxes. Republicans decry the approach.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

Everett
Police believe Ebey Island murder suspect fled to Arizona

In April, prosecutors allege, Lucas Cartwright hit Clayton Perry with his car, killing him on the island near Everett.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Everett
Everett chamber of commerce marks return with first event

“Brain Food” will feature speaker John Carswell, and include a buffet lunch.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County man pleads guity to sex crimes involving minors

Bennett S. Park agreed to plea deal in U.S. District Court in Seattle and will be sentenced on April 25.

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.