Completes preservation of 89-acre open space
The City of Bothell, with significant help from King County, has purchased the last five acres of the former Wayne Golf Course from Forterra, completing the preservation of the entire 89-acre property. The five acres is part of the “Back 9,” east of Waynita Way. It is home to some of the flattest property on the former golf course, an apple tree orchard, and a house built in the 1930s.
The community, led by OneBothell, initiated and supported the conversion of the golf course to open space.
I just want to say thank you to the community,” said Councilmember James McNeal. “We all worked together to make this happen. It’s priceless.
The City’s newest park includes a portion of the Sammamish River and Waynita Creek. It is home to eagles, salmon, deer and more. Approximately 23 acres are covered with a mature forest including Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and western hemlock trees. It also boasts hills perfect for winter sledding.
Watch a short video about the recent purchase.
Forterra purchased the former Wayne Golf Course in early 2016 to give the City time to arrange financing to buy the property. The City bought the majority of the property in 2017, with purchase of the “Back 9” to be completed in two phases. This purchase is “Phase II.”
The phased approach helped secure funding. The City’s cost for the five acres is approximately $45,000, to be paid by Park Impact Fees. King County purchased Conservation Easements on both phases of the Back 9 purchase. Other funding was provided by the King County Parks Levy and Conservation Futures, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and the Taxpayers of Washington.
“Passive recreation” – like walking, biking, drop-in sports such as flag football, lacrosse and disc golf, picnicking, bird-watching, legal fishing, and the like – are allowed on the property. Some areas are not open to the public for safety reasons, including the orchard, house and storage areas, as well as the clubhouse. The park is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Parking is available in adjacent Blyth Park, near the old golf course clubhouse at 16721 96th Ave NE, or at Red Brick Road Park.
In the future, King County, in coordination with the City of Bothell, will design, build and maintain trail connections from Tolt Pipeline through the former Back 9.
The public is encouraged to share their ideas for this great park during the update of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) in 2019.