News Flash Home
The original item was published from 12/12/2018 10:18:31 AM to 12/13/2019 12:00:02 AM.

News Flash

City of Bothell News

Posted on: December 12, 2018

[ARCHIVED] City buys last five acres of “Back 9” on former Wayne Golf Course

Apple orchard on the "Back 9"

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. 

Additional Info...
Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City of Bothell News

Sustainamania

Sustainamania 2023

Posted on: May 11, 2023
Boy Playing in Sprinkler

Heat Watch, May 13-15

Posted on: May 12, 2023
Pedestrians in crosswalk

Sidewalk Survey

Posted on: April 27, 2023
Sound Transit Bus

April 25 Stride BRT Meeting

Posted on: April 13, 2023
Community Members Accepting Proclamation

Bringing Communities Together

Posted on: February 15, 2023
Public Works Crew

The Latest Winter Weather Updates

Posted on: February 22, 2023
Multi Family Home

Middle Housing Updates

Posted on: January 5, 2023
Kwan Wong

Welcoming Finance Director Kwan Wong

Posted on: January 4, 2023
Councilmember Dodd

Amanda Dodd's Journey to Joining Council

Posted on: December 29, 2022
Person on phone during holidays

Holiday Health and Wellness

Posted on: December 19, 2022
Councilmember Alderks

Quarterly Council Update

Posted on: December 14, 2022
Hands Cradling Heart Ornament

Make the Season Bright by Giving Back

Posted on: December 6, 2021
fallen tree

Wind and Flooding Updates

Posted on: November 29, 2022
Summer Bothell Bridge Newsflash Img

Bothell Bridge Newsletter, Summer 22

Posted on: June 23, 2022
Survey

Community Budget Survey Results

Posted on: May 6, 2022
Grants

Grant Funding for Local Businesses

Posted on: March 3, 2022
Recruitment Image

City Manager Recruitment Process

Posted on: December 8, 2021
Bothell Bridge

Bothell Bridge Newsletter, Winter 21-22

Posted on: January 4, 2022
Parl Guthrie, Councilmember Tom Agnew and Jim Morrison at Veterans Memorial Drive Event

City Unveils Veterans Memorial Drive

Posted on: November 12, 2021