At its February 1 meeting, the City Council recognized the Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program for providing grant funding of $270,000 for the purchase of a three-acre parcel of undeveloped land adjacent to Terrace Creek Park. The City Council recognized Snohomish County Councilmember Terry Ryan and Ann Boyce, both Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board members, who attended on behalf of the county.
“Snohomish County established the ‘Conservation Futures Program’ in 1988 to preserve open space, farmland, agricultural land and timberland,” said Mountlake Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Betz. “The program is funded through a levy on properties throughout the county.”
An entry sign was presented that will be placed at the trailhead near the entry to Terrace Creek Park that acknowledges that a portion of the land was purchased with funds from the Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program.
The Harms Family owned the property for many years. Ken Harms was a former Mountlake Terrace Recreation and Parks Director back in the 1960s. Jo Harms explained that it was the family’s wish that the land, which contains second growth forest, would provide open space to the city and be protected from development.
Terrace Creek Park, also known as “Candy Cane Park” is a 60-acre park located along 48th Avenue, north of 236th Street S.W. to 221st Street. It is the largest park in Mountlake Terrace. Its amenities include paved and natural hiking trails, a large playground, a gazebo, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a grass field. It also features an 18-hole disc golf course.
For more information, visit the city’s website at www.cityofmlt.com or call Community Relations Director Virginia Olsen at (425) 744-6206.
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