Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan

Planning for the Future of Veterans Memorial Park

In 2021 the City of Mountlake Terrace developed a master plan for Veterans Memorial Park. The plan will guide future decision-making and development in the park.

This treasured park features old-growth natural areas, a playground, gazebo, a veterans’ memorial, picnic areas, and an extensive trail system. Planned improvements include an asphalt ADA-accessible trail with lighting, connecting the Town Center with the future Link light rail station.

Project Overview

Veterans Memorial Park is adjacent to the Mountlake Terrace Civic Campus (City Hall, Police Station, Library, and Fire Station) and Transit Center. The 8.27 acre park was acquired in 1960.

The recently adopted Town Center Master Plan identifies how the core of the city will develop over time. It identified Veterans Memorial Park as a benefit to the future Town Center and prioritized having the park master planned. This is also necessary as the city has acquired grant funding to improve the pathways.

Public Involvement

The Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan was developed with the larger Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan effort.

Late in 2020, the City conducted an online community-wide survey on recreation and park interests and preferences. The City also circulated an online survey seeking community feedback on current uses and ideas for improvements at Veterans Memorial Park. Based on results from both surveys the highest priority potential improvements to the park include:

Trail improvements with trail lighting
Restoration of natural areas / tree plantings
Restroom installation
Gathering places / picnic areas
Upgraded play equipment
Veteran Memorial or tribute improvements

On February 9, 2021 the project team shared some initial concepts for the future of Veterans Memorial Park with the Recreation & Parks Advisory Commission (RPAC). The following documents were shared with RPAC for their review and comment.

A program assessment for the Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan which summarizes the results of the two community surveys and other stakeholder input.
Three concepts that illustrate different options for the future of Veterans Memorial Park.

In April 2021, we hosted an online open house for the community to learn more about the project and provide input on the three concepts.

In July-August 2021 the project team presented the Preferred Master Plan to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission, the Planning Commission and the City Council that incorporated all past input up to this point. The final conceptual illustration was approved in October 2021 by the City Council and is incorporated into the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan that was adopted January 18, 2022.

Project Timeline

Master Planning: Fall 2020-April 2021

Conceptual Plans: May-October 2021

Plan Approval: January 18, 2022