Clark Park

A Glimpse into History

As Everett's oldest green space, Clark Park has been the heart and soul of the community since 1894 - just a year after the city itself was established. Initially known as City Park, it was renamed in 1931 to honor John J. Clark, a businessman who played a significant role in Everett's early development. Walking through this park, you're literally stepping through more than a century of local history.

What You'll Find There

Though modest in size at 2.4 acres, Clark Park offers a nice variety of amenities. Kids can enjoy the playground with its modern equipment and rubber ground covering (a nice upgrade from those woodchips that always end up in your shoes!).

A highlight of the park is its charming gazebo, designed by architect Benjamin Turnbull and built in 1921. This structure has witnessed countless community gatherings and musical performances over the decades.

If tennis is your thing, you'll appreciate the well-maintained tennis courts. They're typically open for casual play, but you might occasionally find them hosting organized events.

The Natural Setting

Despite being compact - roughly one block long by half a block wide - the park offers plenty of green space with lush grass and mature trees providing welcome shade on sunny days. The intimate size actually gives it a cozy, neighborhood feel that larger parks sometimes lack.

Need a spot for lunch? Grab one of the picnic tables near the gazebo. As you eat, you'll notice three churches visible from various points in the park, adding a picturesque backdrop to your meal.

A Park with Stories to Tell

If these grounds could talk, they'd share tales of labor protests and family picnics, summer concerts and winter ice skating (courtesy of the fire department flooding the tennis courts). The park once featured beautiful chestnut trees and has been the setting for countless community milestones.

Interestingly, Clark Park also has a mysterious side - it was the site of an unsolved murder in 1948, adding an unexpected chapter to its otherwise peaceful history.

Clark Park Today

This green space remains a popular neighborhood gathering spot. You might catch community events here, particularly Thursday evening gatherings that bring locals together. Thanks to ongoing community efforts supporting its upkeep, Clark Park continues to be part of Everett's urban landscape and community life - connecting the city's past to its present.