New park to open this summer

Published 9:43 am Thursday, October 2, 2008

Work is happening this spring to make Snoqualmie Point Park’s spectacular vistas even better.

The park, considered one of the area’s hidden gems, is getting a makeover this year with the addition of a new viewing shelter, picnic area, rock walls and parking lot. The revamped Snoqualmie Point Park will reopen to the public this summer.

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust received a $500,000 grant from the Gates Foundation and a $700,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation to upgrade the park.

The original park had little in the way of visitor facilities, said Nancy Keith, executive director of Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. The city of Snoqualmie and the Greenway Trust are now working to shape the park so that it serves as both a community space and viewing area.

“It’s a gem for Snoqualmie,” said Snoqualmie Parks and Recreation Director Al Frank. “This is one of our older parks that has been around for quite a while. It has the best overlook of any city park that I’ve seen in this area.”

The park, former winery property, is located at 37580 Winery Road.