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<br /> Introduction and Background
<br /> The Riverfront Development Public Amenities Master Plan project has adopted a standard of
<br /> excellence for every aspect of park planning and development. The Riverfront Development site is pari
<br /> of a city and region-wide network of recreation, education, and conservation opportunities that
<br /> complements existing amenities while celebrating its own unique attributes and history. The Riverfront
<br /> Development site will form a significant complex of public amenities for future generations of Everett
<br /> citizens and visitors.
<br /> Public participation in the planning process has been an important component of the project.
<br /> Institutional, civic, and individual stakeholders have provided valuable information throughout the
<br /> planning effort. Their insights have been incorporated into the Public Amenities Master Plan in ways
<br /> large and small. In addition, the plan is closely integrated with adjoining public projects and the
<br /> neighboring private development to reflect the long-term goals of all parties.
<br /> The planning process explored a wide range of potential visitor experiences, recreation activities, and
<br /> types of facilities well-suited to the Riverfront Development site, to the site's place in the park system,
<br /> and to its importance to the community. Providing readily accessible recreation opportunities for all age
<br /> groups and abilities is an important component of the public experience of the riverrfront.
<br /> The plan proposes and promotes the conservation, enhancement, and restoration of natural areas.
<br /> Particular- emphasis has been given to the opportunities to enhance the site's existing natural
<br /> processes and to restore degraded stream channels and habitat. The Public Amenities Master Plan
<br /> seeks to foster continuing education and stewardship by demonstrating sustainable practices with
<br /> stormwater management, minimal water and energy use, plantings of native and climate-adapted
<br /> species, and the use of"green" products and techniques.
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<br /> There are multiple recreational opportunities on the Riverfront site.
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<br /> The Riverfront Development site is a 217-acre amalgamation of existing wetland, railroad, post-
<br /> industrial, and former landfill properties on the banks of the Snohomish River. Lumber industry uses
<br /> predominated from 1891 to 1972, after which the site was home to a refuse transfer station and an
<br /> animal shelter. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has vacated the spur rail lines which
<br /> bisected, north to south, the long riverside site.
<br /> The legacy of historic site uses includes areas of potentially contaminated subsoils, ditched wetlands, a
<br /> post-industrial riverbank armored with pilings, and topographic features left from dewatering of river
<br /> dredge spoils.
<br /> Riveriront Development Public Amenities Master Plan 7
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