On the May 22nd City Council Meeting, the Clark Park Renovation Project was formally introduced for Council approval. This project included the addition of an off-leash dog park and, due to this addition, the removal of the Clark Park Gazebo. 

Removing the gazebo, which was originally constructed in 1921 by architect Benjamin Turnbull, has been a topic of conversation for months now. In fact, it was in January of this year that it was announced on Facebook that the gazebo would be taken down to make way for the planned dog park, and even earlier - summer and fall of 2023 to be exact - when the Parks Department stated floating ideas on what to do with the structure. It was during these discussions that the idea of destroying the gazebo first originated. Before developing the full plan, the city did meet with Historic Commission Advisors, and reportedly took these discussions under full consideration when developing the ordinance. 

So why was there so much focus on this gazebo in the first place? It’s a 103-year-old structure in our city’s oldest park, so obviously there’s some historical precedence,  but what’s been going on in Bayside to create this kind of spotlight on this structure? 

The answer - homelessness. Per many city council comments, Bayside residents felt discouraged from even using the park - much less letting their children or grandchildren use it for play. They reported incidents of harassment, substance use, and loitering, as well as feeling their quality of life was diminished by the issues prevalent in the park because of the gazebo. They also noted that, while the gazebo is historic, other historic monuments have been removed from Clark Park over time and that relocation would be best for the gazebo and the community. 

Other residents, along with several historic commission members, noted that removing the gazebo does not remove the problems attached to the gazebo. A number of speakers commented on how crime exists in many parks but there haven’t been public outcries to demolish any covered structures in those areas, and how illegal actions occur in all environments. There were also some questions as to why the gazebo was even connected to the dog park budget in the first place and, if they were going to be connected, why there was not room in the budget for repairs or relocation for the gazebo. Others asked why this was an either/or situation and why they couldn’t both co-exist, as well as what happened to the original plan from January 2023 for the gazebo to be restored and shuttered. Even others commented on the nature of the ordinance itself and how it sets a concerning precedent as it bends interpretations of established city law.  

Most discussions revolved around developing an “accountable path forward” regarding the gazebo’s relocation and restoration, as well as ensuring better “clarity of process” for the future. There were also comments about how the gazebo, because of its historical value, deserves to be treasured and that’s why a relocation makes sense and re-affirmations of a commitment to use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for these efforts. 

Councilmember Rhyne noted the code felt very clear on this matter and, due to the code, a waiver of certificate of appropriateness should have been reviewed and, as this did not happen, moved that this case be moved back to the Historic Commission to consider this waiver. This motion did not pass. Another motion was also suggested by Councilmember Vogeli to develop a clear plan for the gazebo’s preservation and relocation, which is in development and will be brought to the Council at a future date.

Ultimately, the Council voted unanimously to approve the Clark Park Renovation project, including removing the gazebo to build an off-leash dog park. 

Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.