Grand Opening: Eagle Scout Park

From left: Councilmember Mark Phillips, Mayor Jeff Johnson, Councilmember Tom French and daughter Malia, Deputy Mayor Catherine Stanford, Councilmembers Phillippa Kassover, John Wright, and John Resha. (Councilmember Semra Riddle is behind Cmbr. Kassover in this photo)



Saturday was the grand opening for the completely redesigned Eagle Scout Park at the corner of NE 180th St and NE 178th St in Lake Forest Park.

The park has been in the planning stages since last September, with an open house for feedback from citizens in October. (Neighbors gather for Eagle Scout Park open house)

Construction began this spring, as weather permitted, and it was finished just in time for good weather.

City Councilmembers, city staff, and families
enjoy the new park

The park sits on land owned by the City and by the Lake Forest Park Civic Club.

The City and the Civic Club have cooperated on public use of this space from the beginning. Shoreline Area News theater reviewer Doug Gochanour was often the go-between for the two organizations.

"I had served on the LFPCC Board for the past 34 years, and on the City of LFP Planning Commission for the past 6 years. When projects or issues came up between the City and the Club, I was often involved."

The park is completely fenced
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The Civic Club was happy to see the land used for the benefit of the community.

The park was created in the late 1970s by Scout Troop 318. Shoreline Area News photographer Jerry Pickard was right in the middle of it, with his two sons who were members of the troop.

It was the Eagle project of Russell Rainforth, son of Brig.General Richard "Dick" Rainforth while he was Scoutmaster of Troop 318. Dick later went on to become Mayor of Lake Forest Park.

Jerry wrote about the creation of the park in a 2011 article. Eagle Scout Park and the Bulldozer.

New sidewalks, curb cuts, and signals were installed in 2016
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Upgrading the park really started at the beginning of 2016 with the installation of sidewalks and signalized crossings which make it safe to walk to both Eagle Scout and Animal Acres parks. (see article).

The Lake Forest Park Council said,

Thanks to the Lake Forest Park Civic Club, King County, Washington State, and LFP City staff. This is a great new place for kids to play!