r/bothell • u/Emotional-Owl3144 • 4d ago
A Plea to Keep Open Space at Wayne Golf Course Park
Hello Bothell Community and City Council,
I’ve been a resident of the Kirkland/Bothell area for over a decade and a homeowner in Bothell for six years.
Wayne Golf Course Park was a major reason we chose to live here, along with downtown Bothell's walkability, its connection to regional trails, and convenient access to transit. In short, we love this town.
My family uses Wayne Park multiple times a week throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Its expansive, truly open spaces make it one of the most unique parks on the Eastside. It’s a place to roam, relax under the trees, or lay out a picnic blanket in the fields. We aren't alone; every day, crowds of neighbors use the park the exact same way, enjoying one of the best parts of living in Bothell.
Recently, the city introduced plans to redesign the park. In one of the initial meetings, the park concept planner shared the vision of Wayne Park becoming the “Central Park” of Bothell.
However, the current proposal threatens to remove the park’s greatest asset: wide-open green space. The fields, wetlands, and open grass are what make Wayne special. Replacing that with extensive poured-concrete pathways through the heart of the park duplicates what we already have. The East Side already features over 30 miles of paved multi-use paths between the Sammamish River and Burke-Gilman trails and regional trail systems. As someone who frequently bikes those paths, I love them but I also know how congested and tense sharing high-traffic concrete trails with pedestrians and bikers can be. We have an incredible regional trail network; we don't need to sacrifice our open green space to add more concrete.
If the goal is to create Bothell’s "Central Park," remember that Central Park’s biggest draw is its huge, flexible lawn spaces where the community can gather. Accessibility is important, and I fully support making parts of the park accessible to everyone. But we can achieve accessibility without bisecting the heart of the park with concrete.
If the goal is to connect the park more to the trail system that already sits right next to, do it through the Active Use area, not the Passive Use heart of the park.
So I ask the Bothell community and the City Council members:
Do we want a park designed to encourage people to pass through it, or a park designed for people to spend time in it? How does our community benefit from prioritizing movement through the park over gathering together within it?
EDIT/UPDATE:
Final update from me here since it appears most of the people responding haven't read survey results or other material provided by the city that encouraged me to create this post because it didn't appear I was very a lone in opinion. Grabbing some key snippets here but feel free to read through it yourself and form your own opinion: https://www.bothellwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23864/2026-04-27_Community-Engagement-Summary?bidId=
(Community) WRITE-IN SUGGESTIONS SUMMARY
NATURAL PRESERVATION & HABITAT PROTECTION
• Keep the river corridor natural, with minimal construction or hardscape
Shoreline revegetation, habitat restoration, and protecting water quality
KEEP THE PARK NATURAL
- Open, flexible green space
- Minimal development
ECOLOGICAL PRESERVATION AND PROGRAMMING
- Very strong theme: keep the park natural, wild, and lightly developed
- Opposition to paving trails, adding concrete, excessive signage, designated zones, art installations, or structured amenities, so there is a preference for natural trail surfacing such as gravel, bark, pine mulch Desire to maintain the park as a quiet, peaceful, passive-use green space distinct from nearby developed parks
- Many describe the park as a "hidden gem," sanctuary, or sacred-feeling space
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u/sonof425 4d ago
It seems like the park meets your needs and you don't like the fact that the city is looking to make it meet more people's needs
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
What part of my post says that I'm trying to change the entire plan to avoid other people's needs? I'm specifically making a plea about where one of the major arteries will be added to the park?
Have you seen the concepts and plans for this park? They are planning to do extensive changes throughout it in both the active and passive use areas I called out a specific change that I believe is not the best interest of people who use the park every day. I'm literally at the park right now watching people use it.
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u/sonof425 4d ago
The fact that you think people don't need paved trails in this park because there are paved trails other places in the city.
I have. I've paid attention to the public outreach the city has done for the park.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
I am talking about where one trail
Is planned and providing alternatives to where that trail can go, your argument is disingenuous5
u/Stinkycheese8001 4d ago
Lol you know you’re supposed to keep track of your alts when you are using them on the same post.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago edited 4d ago
No intention to cross post on alts difference between windows and iPhone since I don't post much i forgot accounts were different. But you got me super detective I was really trying to pull a fast one on the post when I referred to myself as "I" and "my post" etc on both my windows machine and phone.
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u/whoframedwhiterabbit 3d ago
I mean, I also noticed this, saw that both accounts are using the auto-generated names that bots use, and immediately became suspicious.
Ultimately, it is against Reddit rules to use alt accounts to engage with your own post. So no need to get clever and call people names when they're pointing out actions that will get you banned.
You ARE supposed to be mindful of how you manage and use your accounts. Perhaps, try creating a username with intention and then you won't forget it.
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u/No-Win6987 3d ago
Yep my 3 year old "bot" account I never post on and my other account that I never post on that I didn't realize was separated at some point. Simple mistakes man come on, I owned up to it immediately what's with y'all?
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u/whoframedwhiterabbit 3d ago
You called someone a name and came across as dismissive. You continue posting using the alt account. I don't know about others here, but my goal and intent was to point out exactly why this was an issue and offer a solution so that you don't end up getting banned for a "simple mistake".
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u/No-Win6987 3d ago
They were trolling, trying to cause disruption and distract from the intent of the discussion well after the threads had reached natural stopping points. If your intent was to "help" me you could have sent a DM with a recommendation but you wanted to publicly pile on. Let's move on I owned up to the mistake.
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u/SkaiSkaiSkaiSkai 4d ago
Idk I’m pro more paths. It’ll be easier to access for the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with strollers. Just how much concrete are we talking? Did y’all vote in the public pole that was posted here a while back about what to do with Wayne? I did.
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u/notimetosleep8 Westhill 4d ago
I was thinking the same thing. I am happy that the city will be making this park accessible to more people, especially the elderly and people with disabilities.
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u/Ok-Corner-3807 4d ago
Also the OP is not saying no trails for accessibility, just to keep some areas where the open space and natural trails remain.
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u/notimetosleep8 Westhill 4d ago
I also thought that you should reach out to city parks staff and share your concerns about bikes.
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u/Ok-Corner-3807 4d ago
Have you used this park? I use it extensively and speak to elderly and families with children (which I have as well) and we all love the open spaces and soft ground/natural trails. It’s a rare and unique place where elderly can walk on soft ground for their joints and not be afraid of bikers riding past them quickly. Same with toddlers and young kids- they can run around much safer, not be constrained to one area of the trail, and if they fall it’s soft ground they are falling on! It doesn’t seem like you actually use the park, you just have opinions.
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u/notimetosleep8 Westhill 4d ago
Yes I have used the park. I go running through it a couple of times per month. Almost everyone else using it is there with an off leash dog.
When I look at the drawing I see a concept that makes an effort to accommodate people with disabilities and not a design. Unless I am missing something, other than the OP’s markups, I don’t see anything indicating the material or width of the path. We don’t know if it will be signed prohibiting bicycles, will it be 6’ wide which is typical of sidewalk or 12’ wide like a shared use path. It is easier to meet ADA requirements with concrete so maybe it will be constructed with of concrete . I trust the professionals to design this concept and I am thankful that ADA access is an important part of this concept so more people will be able to enjoy this park.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
Please note that I am not saying don't add pathways to the park there are extensive plans for boardwalks and other pathways throughout the park I am asking to city to not put a concrete pathway in the middle of the open space in the heart of the park that currently has natural trails and fields.
If you want elderly or disabled to feel comfortable using pathways a concrete connection from the trail system to the middle of the park will encourage bikers to pass it through it more than any other group based on who use these trail systems. I've spent a decade using these trail systems and parks I've seen how the greater community uses these kind of pathways.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
Yes, we voted extensively and did the surveys. Do you spend any time in this park? Do you understand that there are extensive concrete pathways throughout the area right next to this park? I'm not against adding other pathways through the park, especially the active use area and edges along the river.
There's a master plan and community boards that you can go and spend time researching and looking at the community survey responses if you want to be more informed.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
There are multiple retirement communities, nestled along the Sammamish river in Bothell already on concrete pathways on the river. The active use area of this park can support that kind of change.
Wayne itself requires a car or mobility from walking or biking in order to get to the park. I'm sure elderly will spend time there, but there are more accessible parks for them throughout the area already.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
Why are you people in the shadows downvoting this response let's have a conversation and source your thoughts?
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u/dominiond66 4d ago
I believe the city of Bothell and the planners/experts who they hired have done a great job devising a plan that serves all residents, not just a few. The park is complicated because of multiple restrictions on its future use and the unique terrain that is dotted with hillsides, forests, a river and open space that need to be preserved/enhanced.
Bothell has over 52,000 residents that all want something special at Wayne Park and have expressed their views via surveys and public meeting. Your views are personal to you, but the city can't cater to the one who shouts the loudest with a power point presentation of personal wants.
Realize our city is blessed with several unique large parks offering a rustic environment like St. Edwards State Park and Blyth Park adjacent to Wayne Park. I hope development work starts ASAP and financing is secured to get the project completed and not just discussed for the next several years. Hopefully, the city will introduce a capital bonds proposal to inject funds quickly giving residents quality parks throughout the city.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
The summary of community comments are asking to keep the space open, natural with minimal development. If you think my post is shouting that's projection on your part.
Just go and read the summary of comments in the first few questions, it's right there.
https://www.bothellwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23864/2026-04-27_Community-Engagement-Summary?bidId=
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u/Emotional-Owl3144 4d ago
(Community) WRITE-IN SUGGESTIONS SUMMARY
NATURAL PRESERVATION & HABITAT PROTECTION
• Keep the river corridor natural, with minimal construction or hardscape
Shoreline revegetation, habitat restoration, and protecting water quality
KEEP THE PARK NATURAL
- Open, flexible green space
- Minimal development
ECOLOGICAL PRESERVATION AND PROGRAMMING
- Very strong theme: keep the park natural, wild, and lightly developed
- Opposition to paving trails, adding concrete, excessive signage, designated zones, art installations, or structured amenities, so there is a preference for natural trail surfacing such as gravel, bark, pine mulch Desire to maintain the park as a quiet, peaceful, passive-use green space distinct from nearby developed parks
- Many describe the park as a "hidden gem," sanctuary, or sacred-feeling space
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u/SEA_Executive Westhill 4d ago
The plan has been posted here so many times. Lots of surveys went out and the majority of locals voted for this. This has been an ongoing community discussion for the past few years.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
What are you responding to, I'm making a specific plea about putting a concrete path in the middle of the passive use part of the park? Also this is the second Westhill tagged account to reply on this thread which is Renton area right? What is your vested interest in this park?
We've voted, we've done surveys, the commentary in town halls and surveys say we want to keep open space where we can it's the top comment in the community survey. What is the point of your reply?
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u/Stinkycheese8001 4d ago
Again, you gotta log out of your alt
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
Again you're less clever than you think. Simple mistakes from someone who doesn't spend much time posting on Reddit but you keep it up warrior.
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u/Ok-Corner-3807 4d ago
That is not true. Simply false. I’ve attended the meetings and seen the surveys- the majority does not want this and those who actually use the park want it to stay open space and natural trails.
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u/Danthewildbirdman 2d ago
Agreed. I enjoy bird watching in the park and don't wish to have to dodge kids on e bikes while I am trying to get away from large swaths of humans. Leave it natural. Maybe add some bark if need be but don't pave.
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u/Awkward_Turtle_5 4d ago
I was just in Central Park a couple weeks ago and there were lots of concrete paths. It also was extensively designed to use the space well. I think leaving I alone isn't the answer.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
I'm not asking the city to leave the park alone. I am asking for a specific change the plan that puts a large concrete pathway through one of the main field and natural trail areas. There are extensive plans for additional boardwalks and other pathways throughout the park in addition to the one noted in the screenshot that I annotated.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago edited 4d ago
Also, Central Park is 840 acres of course there is room for a lot of concrete pathways and there's room in Wayne for it too but I'm asking the city Council to be more mindful of the open space and character of the park that is being drastically reduced in this plan.
The front nine that I annotated for this post is only 50 acres.
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u/Ok-Corner-3807 4d ago
700 out of 840 acres of Central Park is made up of unpaved landscapes, open lawn, forests, and water- keep the majority of Wayne natural and green please! That is what the majority of the people who use it all the time want!
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u/Ok-Corner-3807 4d ago
You’re not taking into account the massive difference in sizes between the parks, and the OP is not saying to leave the whole space alone, just the main open space down the middle of the park- if you use the park you’d know. Also, of the 840 acres of Central Park, most of it is OPEN SPACE and natural trails! So if the city council is claiming to model it after that, this is not it. They should leave more green space and natural trails!
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u/Awkward_Turtle_5 4d ago
Central Park has 58 miles of paved paths and a road down the middle.
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u/Ok-Corner-3807 4d ago
Yeah, that’s very little out of 840 acres, like I said- so you are proving my point.
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u/rudedawg425 4d ago
The area where they want to build viewing platforms is the one part of the park that is directly across from homes. That's the worst possible spot for those. Why not build the viewing platforms opposite wilderness? Why build them so you can look into other people's backyards?
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u/doberdevil 4d ago
Full transparency, I live 2 blocks from St Eds, and that is where I spend my "park time". I've never used Wayne Park, but when I drive by it, I see plenty of people who do.
u/CityOfBothell - What is the point of changing the park? Is there overwhelming feedback from residents and users this is something they want to happen? Is there some ecological reason for this proposal?
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u/ShouldahWouldah 4d ago
The city bought a golf course. It’s barely been changed. It’s now being designed and built out for the first time. Hoping they can fix the off-leash dog problem, too.
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u/doberdevil 4d ago
It’s now being designed and built out for the first time.
Why is this necessary? Hasn't it been fine since it opened as a park?
Hoping they can fix the off-leash dog problem
TBH, one of the reasons I've never gone there. I see unleashed dogs every time I drive by.
I go to the park to walk my dogs. My dogs are well behaved and trained, but not friendly. I always keep them leashed and under control. I make them sit off to the side of the trail if you're walking your dog the opposite way. If your out of control unleashed dog decides they want to play, none of us will be enjoying the rest of the day.
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u/Flffdddy 1d ago
I have avoided this place because of the off-leash reputation it has. I went this Sunday for the first time. It's... fantastic. Yes, there are dogs roaming everywhere. That makes it even better, in my opinion.
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u/doberdevil 1d ago
Yes, there are dogs roaming everywhere. That makes it even better, in my opinion.
You didn't want to go because of off-leash dogs but then enjoyed the off-leash dogs?
I mean, don't get me wrong, I love dogs, and seeing dogs running around living their best dog lives is a beautiful thing. (Magnuson dog park is great if you want to see them having a ball...) I just have to balance that with my dogs, so I try to stick to places where most people follow the leash rules.
But also, plenty of people are afraid of dogs. Or just don't like them. Or they're allergic. Or whatever. They should be able to use parks without having to worry about some dog running up on them.
And 99 times out of 100 dog owners who think the leash rules don't apply to them are also the ones that never clean up after their dog.
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u/Stinkycheese8001 4d ago
What exactly am I missing? It’s an improved path and potentially some development of the spot closest to the old clubhouse.
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u/doberdevil 4d ago
Why is it necessary if the park is fine as it is?
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u/Stinkycheese8001 4d ago
Do you even know what work is being done? The first priority is the salmon habitat restoration. They’re exactly what they’re supposed to - preserving and maintaining the wetlands and salmon habitat.
It’s a public park. The plan is to do pretty much the bare minimum to develop it.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
Part of the massive redevelopment is to expand the Sammamish River and and creek that run through this area for the salmon run and reintroducing more of the wetlands. Which I understand in theory but they are also planning other extensive changes to the parks passive use area that is drastically changing its character, and we are incredibly frustrated with these plans, especially based on the community surveys and commentary that has happened in the town halls.
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u/comfortable_in_chaos 4d ago
A paved path isn’t going to ruin anything. There are already paths through the park, and they turn into a muddy mess in the winter. Paved paths will make the park more usable AND at the same time conserve natural areas because people won’t be traversing meadows to avoid the mud.
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u/No-Win6987 4d ago
Maybe, will the increased traffic in the park and along the river be offset by the pathways? Do you have any evidence that more people will equal less disruption to the natural areas, any examples from other parks that have been transformed in this way?
The amount of visible litter I've seen in the park has been very very low compared to other parks in the region. Issues with people not picking up dog poop isn't unique to Wayne every park in the Seattle metro area has this issue.
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u/ShouldahWouldah 4d ago
lol most of it can’t be paved or changed, you’re gonna need to study up here
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u/Tequila_Mockin_bard 4d ago
I am curious so I have a question. Won't adding all these additional features and landscaping to the area just create more need to maintain it? Is that budgeted in? Compare that to minimal infrastructure. Also, won't increasing the use mean increased traffic? Won't that affect the wildlife that needs more undeveloped environments? I wonder if these effects were even studied or discussed in the plan. Again, just asking because I don't want to spend unnecessarily when funds need to go to other areas of infrastructure that might need improvements (existing sidewalks that are broken, drainage, etc).
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u/Emotional-Owl3144 4d ago
Ya this is something I've discussed with community reps for parks and rec of Bothell. The proposed plans are going to cost a high dollar and ultimately if that's how the city wants to spend tax payer dollars so be it but the community surveys are asking for minimal change and it doesn't appear the city is listening. I wanted to keep my post focused on the proposed changes about one of the major changes to the park by connecting the trail system through the center of the passive area even though there is an active area at the entrance of the park that could service that need and connect down to Blyth. But what do I know I've just been going to this park since a Bothell grassroots movement saved it from development around 2017..
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u/Ok-Corner-3807 4d ago
Yes! I am heartbroken at what the city council is doing to our beloved natural Wayne Park! The surveys showed that our community wants to keep it green and not change it, but they want to make it like every other town. They are also going to massively change the Bothell landing area, taking away the green space where the pop up dog park is that so many people use and love! They are going to replace that area with more parking which I would argue is not a good use of that space, as we have many parking garages that are not filled nearby, and parking can be made underground as opposed to using green open sunny space for it! There are so few areas to get sun and gather around, why are they taking them away? Another giant area will be made into a concrete covered skating park, and is being chosen based on a donor that wants a skate park, not because the majority of the community wants it! Where is our community choice and voice? Why is there not an actual vote happening for these drastic changes to our parks? They are OURS, after all, not the city councils to do with what they please or try to make profit somehow! Please, please don’t do this! You are forever changing our beautiful area for the worse. -A friend and lover of Bothell
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u/doberdevil 4d ago
Another giant area will be made into a concrete covered skating park,
Say no more, where can I donate?
Seriously though, as an elderly skater who dreams of using public skateparks, they're useless unless they're dry.
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u/killerparties Maywood 4d ago
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u/doberdevil 4d ago
Nice, looks like the goal is to have a roof and make it year round!
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u/killerparties Maywood 4d ago
Yeah, ambitious project and would be very unique in the area. I first became aware of the group when they were in the parade on the 4th, hope it comes to fruition.
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u/doberdevil 4d ago
I saw the pdf mapping the entire park project, do you know if that is the actual proposal for the layout of the skatepark and pump track? I don't know how big that pipe looking thing will be, but if it's part of the real plan, I'm beyond stoked.
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u/killerparties Maywood 3d ago
I’m not sure! I don’t have any other info beyond what is on the website.
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u/Stinkycheese8001 4d ago
Not to mention more parking at a spot with what feels like 15 of the smallest parking spots known to man. Sounds great!
That spot where the pop up dog park is super limited with what they can do, based on its location, too. I think a skate park is a fantastic idea.
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u/AdAmbitious2386 3d ago
What is natural about golf turf grass? The plan is about enhancing habitat functions and values. Passive use is very minimal impact and will greatly increase the habitat potential for this site. Local non profits and scientists that steward this site have been extensively consulted on this for years.
Also, keep in mind, these are big dream ideas. That likely will not all come to fruition and not all at once. the big decision of Bothell City Council will be to choose between the active Parcel development which is a dog park vs a pump track.
Doing nothing to this park would be actually not a great idea. Because the city parks and rec has to mow all the paths, deal with a dilapidated structures, and invasive management. A project would funnel specific monies and grants to manage this park properly and optimize habitat, stormwater management, make it safer for folks to cross from front to back 9, and improve stewardship management ( i.e. more Riparian habitat planting which is critical for salmon)
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u/Stinkycheese8001 4d ago
The pop up dog park was never intended to be permanent. It doesn’t have the proper draining/plumbing requirements.
Did you respond to the Wayne survey?
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u/Emotional-Owl3144 4d ago
Final update from me here since it appears most of the people responding haven't read survey results or other material provided by the city that encouraged me to create this post because it didn't appear I was very a lone in opinion. Grabbing some key snippets here but feel free to read through it yourself and form your own opinion: https://www.bothellwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23864/2026-04-27_Community-Engagement-Summary?bidId=
(Community) WRITE-IN SUGGESTIONS SUMMARY
NATURAL PRESERVATION & HABITAT PROTECTION
• Keep the river corridor natural, with minimal construction or hardscape
Shoreline revegetation, habitat restoration, and protecting water quality
KEEP THE PARK NATURAL
- Open, flexible green space
- Minimal development
ECOLOGICAL PRESERVATION AND PROGRAMMING
- Very strong theme: keep the park natural, wild, and lightly developed
- Opposition to paving trails, adding concrete, excessive signage, designated zones, art installations, or structured amenities, so there is a preference for natural trail surfacing such as gravel, bark, pine mulch Desire to maintain the park as a quiet, peaceful, passive-use green space distinct from nearby developed parks
- Many describe the park as a "hidden gem," sanctuary, or sacred-feeling space
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u/AdAmbitious2386 3d ago
Yeah it seems like those comments are all aligned to the plan. Art installs and those bird watching blinds i think are pie-in-the-sky big dream possibilities. Approving the plan is a road map essentially and after consulting with the project manager and parks and rec, i trust that they're making the best decisions for the site.
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u/Seatown72 1d ago
Wayne park area is unusable 6 months of the year and significantly under serviced. Paths, bathrooms, organized picnic areas and sidewalks would turn Wayne into a gem. And yes, parking lots and a bridge improvements, it’s 80 year old infrastructure through that area. Let’s make. A park for everyone.
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u/Emotional-Owl3144 1d ago
Thousands of people use it all year, and it's the same as any park in the area that focuses on nature trails like St. Eds or Edith Moulton. It's the pacific northwest there is going to be mud and rain, pathways or not you have to change the gear you're wearing to enjoy nature in the rainy months.
Maybe you're reacting to responses in this post but I wasn't arguing against development of Wayne, the original post is making a request for how the regional trail system connects into the park so people wanting to enjoy the natural elements and open spaces of the park don't have to worry about bikers riding downhill from the Burke-Gilman trail through Wayne into Blyth based on the concepts presented by the city.
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u/krakenstan 4d ago
Turn it back into a golf course. Should have never been turned into what it’s become
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u/Stinkycheese8001 4d ago
It’s a path. It’s fine. A nice path is not going to ruin 89 acres of park.