Resort On Martha Lake To Become County Park

MARTHA LAKE - A popular 82-year-old resort at the south end of Martha Lake will become Snohomish County's newest public park early next year.

In an effort that has taken nearly two years, the county will buy the Martha Lake Resort and Tavern for $2.7 million from Ilene and Jack Fitzjerrald, owners for more than a quarter of a century.

Twice in the past five years, the owners tried to develop the 6.7 acres into an office and retail complex, but were turned down by the county hearing examiner because the projects did not conform to the county's comprehensive plan.

The Legislature approved a $1 million grant earlier this year to help in the purchase. The county will have to advance that amount and be reimbursed by the state.

Under the purchase agreement, the county must complete the deal by Jan. 31, although it could be done sooner. The $1 million the county will advance will not be available until Jan. 8, according to Ron Martin, county parks director.

Council Chairman Brian Corcoran, who represents the area and was in the forefront of efforts to obtain the resort for a park, was elated with the purchase. He said it would be one of the few regional parks in urban Snohomish County.

When the park will open is uncertain. The present owners do not have to vacate until 90 days after closure, so the county may not be able to occupy the site until the end of April. Martin said a site analysis has to be done and a master development plan must be completed. An interim management plan will be drafted for approval by the county executive and council.

A conceptual design, with swimming, fishing, picnic and playground areas and a small parking area, would cost an estimated $560,000. But no detailed plan has been done.

The state Department of Wildlife, which has a boat launch just east of the resort, will be asked to join the planning.

A principal supporter of turning the site into a park has been the Martha Lake Community Club. The club opposed heavy development of the property, which fronts on 164th Street Southwest, a heavily traveled road between Lynnwood and Mill Creek.

There is significant development around the property. Just

west of the site is the administrative offices of Community Transit. A neighborhood shopping center is being built across the street, and diagonally across the street is Majestic Lanes, a bowling alley.

Committing this year to the purchase could have been important for another reason. Some state money not committed may be withdrawn because of state budget problems.

Besides the tavern adjacent to the 57-acre lake, the resort has picnic and boat-rental areas. Generations of youth used the lake, particularly for summer boating and fishing.