Snohomish County Celebrates New Inclusive Playground at Forsgren Park

Newly renovated playground at Forsgren Park

Forsgren Park’s new accessible playground delivers smoother surfacing, sensory play, and inclusive features inspired by community feedback.

Play just got a whole lot more fun — and more inclusive — at Forsgren Park in Bothell. Snohomish County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the grand re-opening of the newly renovated playground, a $610,000 investment that goes beyond modern standards for accessibility and inclusion.

Finished in May 2025, the revamped space now features imaginative play structures and seating for kids of all abilities ages 2 to 12, designed not just to meet accessibility guidelines, but to exceed them — because every child deserves to play.

The vision for this park came directly from the community, with more than 600 residents participating in a robust outreach process. Their voices shaped everything from the play structure layout to one of the most celebrated upgrades: the playground surfacing.

• All 7 elevated components are accessible via wheelchair transfer platform (exceeds ADA requirement of 4)
• 3 ground-level accessible play elements, including interactive sensory panels and a pretend-play storefront
• Transfer point to belt climber and both slides for children using wheeled mobility devices

• 5 of 10 elevated components accessible via transfer platform (meets ADA requirements)
• 5 ground-level accessible play elements, including sensory-rich features like the Marble Panel and Ring-A-Bell Panel

More Inclusive Features

• OmniSpin merry-go-round with high-backed seats for more support
• Sensory Play Wall for motor, cognitive, and social development
• Playground Communication Board — the first in the parks system — to support non-verbal communication (now a new standard for future playgrounds)
• Unitary surfacing (playground grass) that provides a safe, smooth play surface for all
• Shade structure with benches
• A molded bucket seat swing

“It is clear that input from the community shaped this park project, and I want to thank all those involved for making the vision of a fun, modern, accessible play area into a reality,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “The Parks team has been doing a lot of great work to improve playgrounds all around the county, and they are continuing that work with six renovation projects in the current biennial budget cycle and more to come in the future.”

“Forsgren Park is a great addition to the beautiful parks in Snohomish County. With these upgrades, more families can enjoy spaces and places that make this area enjoyable for all,” said Snohomish County Councilmember Jared Mead.  “This investment in our parks is a direct result of listening to our community and creating spaces that are accessible for our neighbors.”

“We don’t just build playgrounds — we strive to build spaces where everyone feels welcome and included,” said Sharon Walker, Snohomish County Parks Director.  “This isn’t just about meeting standards — it’s about listening to our community, honoring their input, and creating a park where kids of all abilities can explore, imagine, and connect.”

“We heard loud and clear that accessible surfacing was a top priority,” said Rachel Dotson, Planning Supervisor for Snohomish County Parks. “We stretched our budget, got creative, and made it happen. We want to thank County Councilmember Jared Mead and the Community Partnership Fund for helping us secure the additional funding needed to upgrade to playground grass which provides a smoother, more accessible play surface for kids who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.”