Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park

Location and Size

Tucked away at the intersection of 13th Street and Colby Avenue in Everett, Washington, Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park is a cozy green sanctuary spanning just 0.4 acres. Despite its compact size, this park offers a pleasant green space for locals and families. If you're visiting someone at the nearby hospital, it's also an ideal spot to get some fresh air and clear your head.

Playground Features

The playground is the centerpiece of this park, with changes on the way. In early 2025, the Everett City Council greenlit a $345,000 upgrade project to renovate and expand the play area.

The current playground, built in 2007, has faithfully served the community beyond its expected 15-year lifespan. It's particularly designed for younger children, featuring padded flooring for safety and low-to-the-ground disk swings that are popular with kids. Parents can relax a bit thanks to the chain-link fence encircling the playground, keeping energetic youngsters safely contained.

Park Amenities

Need a break from the sun? The park's gazebo offers a shaded retreat where you can sit back and watch the world go by. There's also a charming vine-covered pergola draped with beautiful old growth wisteria - it's not just Instagram-worthy but provides another lovely spot to relax.

Feeling hungry? You can find picnic tables both within and outside the play area, making impromptu outdoor meals a breeze. The large open field gives everyone room to stretch out, play catch, or simply soak up some vitamin D. The grounds are well-maintained and clean, which is always a plus.

Visitor Information

Bringing your four-legged friend? Drew Nielsen Park is dog-friendly, but they must stay on-leash. You'll come across dog bag stations and garbage cans throughout, so there's no excuse for not cleaning up! Just be aware that evening lighting is limited, and you'll need to find street parking in the surrounding area.

One thing to note: there are no public restrooms available here. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 8PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to enjoy this neighborhood treasure.

Historical Significance

Beyond its amenities, this park has a meaningful backstory. It's named after Drew Nielsen, a dedicated Everett City Council member who passed away in 2012. Nielsen was a passionate advocate for creating this community space back in the mid-2000s. Following his death, the park was named in his honor - a fitting tribute to someone who understood the value of neighborhood green spaces.