Bothell throws a party at Centennial Park

A few blocks away from the busy intersection of Bothell’s Thrasher’s Corner sits an expansive oasis of greenspace.

A few blocks away from the busy intersection of Bothell’s Thrasher’s Corner sits an expansive oasis of greenspace.

On April 18, a large crowd gathered at the dedication of the new Centennial Park, a 54-acre nature park encompassing trails, wetland restoration, picnic tables, overlooks and restoration of the 106-year-old North Creek Schoolhouse.

Centennial Park, the 22nd official park in Bothell, is located just off Bothell-Everett Highway and 208th Street Southeast.

The park land was purchased by the city in 1997 with money from the Snohomish County Futures Grant Program. Under terms of the grant, Bothell may not develop the land for active uses such as a playground or basketball court. Instead, the park was designed for passive uses including walking trails and a nature interpretive facility.

“This is a place to come and really enjoy nature for all of its beauty,” explained Bothell Public Works Superintendent Clark Meek.

Meek has worked for the city of Bothell for 30 years. “The opening of Centennial Park is a great achievement. We have all worked very hard to see this come to fruition. Today is a great day.”

A master plan for the park was developed in 2002 with overall development carrying an estimated price tag of $3 million. That development is included in Bothell’s 2009-2015 Capital Facilities Plan and will be completed in phases.

Having reached the completion of Phase I, Centennial Park boasts a paved parking lot, some trails, utilities, picnic tables and shelter, a climbing rock and restrooms. During the park dedication, residents were invited to help plant trees and explore the expansive grounds.

“This park is a wonderful tribute to the celebration of Bothell’s 100 year anniversary,” said Mayor Mark Lamb. “The vision of this park is to create a beautiful place that will celebrate the history and tradition of Bothell.”

Future development phases at the park will include additional trails, wetland restoration, boardwalk, bridges, overlooks and more shelters. Plans also call for restoration of the recently relocated North Creek Schoolhouse, one of the last remaining one-room schoolhouses in Snohomish County. Once refurbished, the schoolhouse will act as an interpretive center and meeting room for the community.

For Bothell residents John Dobbins and his mother Dorothy Dobbins, the restoration of the old schoolhouse hits close to home. John’s great grandmother Ann Thomas attended the North Creek Schoolhouse and learned English there after emigrating from Sweden. His grandfather Alfred Johnson owned the very land the park property now sits on. Six generations of the family have called Bothell home and for Dorothy and her son, the park dedication was a very special day.

“This means a lot to me to have this schoolhouse here,” said Dorothy. “It’s a part of our family history and the history of the city.”

City Council has asked the community to help raise the funds for the interior restoration of the schoolhouse. Produced by the Landmark Preservation Board, sales of “Bothell: Then and Now,” a pictorial history the city will support restoration of the North Creek School. The book is available for purchase at Bothell City Hall and the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit the city of Bothell Web site, www.ci.bothell.wa.us/.