RIP Clark Park Gazebo

Mayor Casie Franklin announced the removal of the Clark Park Gazebo, which has been a source of ongoing issues for the community. The city plans to replace it with an expanded dog park, responding to local demands for safer recreational spaces. Clark Park, established in 1894 and named after founder John J. Clark, has faced numerous challenges, including incidents of violence and drug-related arrests over the years. In 2021, a drug bust led to an arrest involving a musket, highlighting the park's decline.

The gazebo, once a focal point, was enclosed for nearly a decade before its removal, as it became a shelter for the homeless. This change follows the Bayside Neighborhood's efforts to beautify the park in 2021 through grant-funded wall painting. The decision reflects a broader initiative to improve public safety and community engagement in Everett's parks. As these transformations take place, the city aims to address long-standing issues and enhance the park's usability for residents.