Everett Archives: The History of Garfield Park
The northwest corner of Garfield Park greets visitors with the word History above two metallic stencil art panels, carved with images of regional, historical significance. Just one of four decorative, stone pillared entrances, each themed in honor of the origin and mission of this 5.6-acre oasis in Riverside neighborhood. Stenciled characters from nature, history, sports, and symbols of fun are scattered throughout the grounds on clean, covered picnic tables - two mosaic murals on the restrooms declare the invitation that “Everyone is Welcome at Garfield Park.”
In his book “Shinny On Our Own Side”, author Max Miller describes boyhood memories of the place during the first decade of the twentieth century - taking the title of his book from the game that was played there, resembling hockey with a flat stick and a large ball. Garfield Park used to be known as “Willow Swamp” in early twentieth century Everett, situated between Walnut and Chestnut St. A sprawling, vacant lot comprised of muck and thick shrub that, rumor had it, provided cover to illicit bootleg operations during the prohibition years. Such rumors are corroborated by the occurrence of a raid that was carried out just two blocks west of the site, resulting in the arrest of a former Everett police officer as well as the seizure of “52 bottles of liquid, material for 40 gallons more, two large crocks and hundreds of empty bottles.” Ironically enough, this favorite “drop spot” for bootleggers was originally designated a family-friendly park by the “Lillian Stevens” Everett chapter of the WCTU (Women's Christian Temperance Union).
Image // Northwest Room, Everett Public Library
Motorists often drove through the swamp as a shortcut between streets. Savvy neighborhood children were known to keep wood and rope hidden in the bushes; when a car’s engine would cry out for help, they would scurry to the rescue of a motorist stuck in the mud and offer assistance - for a small fee. While useful in more clandestine money-making enterprises, the field across from Garfield Elementary School stood out to parents and city officials as a missed opportunity for Everett’s children.
At the onset of the twentieth century, The Playground Movement was building momentum across the nation. As part of a broader response to concerns over welfare in the wake of industrialization, outcries for reform traveled from the east advocating for America’s youth and hailing the vital benefits of “play”. Opportunities like climbing and exploring open spaces were once organic to the lives of children before urbanization robbed them of undeveloped landscape. Newspapers in Washington cities echoed the call, reporting decreases in traffic deaths and recruiting families to support the “playground method” which would safeguard children from the hazards of the streets. Children were limited to streets, alleys, vacant lots, and were largely unsupervised in 1920s Everett. A sharp downturn in child wellbeing and an increase in delinquent behavior registered the need for a city-wide effort. The Garfield Elementary PTA, school board, and The Everett Playground Association petitioned the city to consider the lot as the site for the refuge that remains to this day.
The Seattle Star 1925 // Northwest Room, Everett Public Library
The WPA (Works Progress Administration), one of FDR’s New Deal efforts, assumed the Garfield Playground project in 1932, filling in the swamp and removing the brush. Early development included a small playground, a Hobby House which hosted children’s crafts, and in 1941, was the site of the crafting and distribution of 500 Christmas presents to local families. While the Hobby House is no longer there, new playground equipment, tennis, and pickleball courts have given new life to the well-loved and maintained grounds. Home of the North Everett Little League, the baseball field harkens back to the park’s original, established as part of the WPA project.
Image // Northwest Room, Everett Public Library
Today, Garfield Park remains a beloved fixture in North Everett, hosting crowds of neighborhood patrons on sunny days with growing opportunities to have fun together. Once a swampy battlefield for child welfare, playgrounds like this one are now merely a backdrop for what residents come to expect from their urban communities. Garfield park remains a haven of fun for everyone. Snohomish County artist, Dan Cautrell, extends the invitation that has echoed at the site for over a century in his gateway installation to the playground, “Let’s Play”.
Garfield Park
2300 Walnut St
Everett, WA 98201
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