Improvements are coming to Kayak Point Regional Park, which means that it will be closed to the public starting July 5, 2023. The Kayak Point Park Day-Use will provide better recreational access, environmental improvements, and replace aging infrastructure,” said Sharon Swan, Director of the Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Division. “The park will continue to be a favorite location to enjoy this beautiful place that we love, while being easier to maintain and updated to be an asset for generations to come.”
Construction for Phase 1 of the approximately $20 million renovation project is scheduled to take place through at least December 31, 2023, and will provide additional recreation space, move parking away from the shoreline, improve the boat launch, and make habitat improvements. Grants were awarded for Phase 1 construction from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) including $2 million for the boat launch and upland improvements. The first phase of this project is slated to take place for the rest of 2023, while the second phase is to be determined as grant funds are currently being sought.
As part of implementing these changes, park infrastructure like failing water lines and buckling asphalt will be replaced and the park will be positioned for many more years of enjoyment. Due to sensitive fish spawning habitat along the more than one mile of shoreline at Kayak Point, the new boat launch construction will occur during the authorized in-water work time, which falls during peak summer months. “While it is exciting to see this project get off the ground, closing such a beloved park during the summer is tough,” said Tom Teigen, Director of Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while we work hard to make major improvements to this beautiful park. In the long run, the benefits for the community, wildlife, and the environment will be worth it.” Some of the benefits for this project include safer and easier circulation route. Meaning that the new design will provide separate walking routes for pedestrians that are ADA-friendly for visitors with mobility issues. The shoreline will also be easier to access for walkers, boats, and cars. The boat launch parking will have tie-down lanes and areas for prepping boats to reduce traffic congestion while accessing the launch or getting to the beach.
Environmentally friendly design and longer-lasting infrastructure is also an area of focus for the project. The renovated park will be better for the environment, due to the parking that is currently next to the shore being replaced with an expanded beach zones with native plant life. The runoff from all the paved areas will now go through stormwater treatment as well. The road along the shore will be replaced with a backshore berm to prepare the park for sea level rise and storm surges. An additional four to five feet of beach height made from natural habitat materials will also be added to protect the area from significant storms. An overhaul of the parks septic system, water piping, and electrical connections will also be in store for the project.
Once the project is complete, renovated picnic shelters and three new shelters will be added. All of the parking will be moved to a centralized location away from the beach, with 10 new spots added, with overflow parking still being located at the top of the hill. More wide-open grassy areas, and easier access to the pier, boat launch, shelters, fire pits, playground, and restrooms are features included in the project. The campground will remain open throughout construction with a small walking path to access an approved area of the beach for campers. The day-use area closure includes the road down to the lower park area, the parking lot, beach access, picnic shelters, pier, playground, and restrooms which will all be closed to the public.
For more information and to stay up to date on the project. You can find regular updates on the project page, sign-up for the monthly e-newsletter, or follow @snocoparks on social media.