Cranes and construction cones seem to be everywhere in downtown Bothell. Private development projects such as the Mercantile Building, the Junction, the 185 Apartments and others are underway, bringing more housing and retail to our downtown core.

Meanwhile, the city’s Main Street Enhancement project is under construction, and the Multiway Boulevard Project is wrapping up this summer. We appreciate your patience as we work together to make the community’s vision for downtown a reality. It’s really an exciting phase in Bothell’s development.

At the same time, the City of Bothell is working very hard to preserve open space. A key to our success has been the initiative and involvement of community groups in at least three major efforts.

For example, we recently celebrated the preservation of 63.4 acres of the North Creek Forest, just west of I-405 in Maywood Hills. The property features second growth, mature forest with wetlands and streams that connect to North Creek, the Sammamish Slough, and Puget Sound. The acquisition comes after years of work by community groups such as Friends of North Creek Forest and Help our Woods, working together with the city.

Similarly, the city is working closely with OneBothell and Forterra on a plan to buy the Wayne Golf Course and to transform it into the Wayne/Sammamish Regional Park. King County Executive Dow Constantine recently recognized OneBothell, Forterra and the City of Bothell for our efforts to preserve this regional gem, which includes nearly a mile of shoreline along the Sammamish River. Forterra is holding the property until the end of 2017. The city is working to secure funding to buy the property from Forterra.

As a final example, the City of Bothell Parks and Recreation Department and the Shelton View Forest Stewardship Association joined forces to submit a $1 million request to Snohomish County to purchase about 16 acres of the Shelton View Forest, located in northwest Bothell near Shelton View Elementary School. (We’re exploring options for a second 26-acre parcel owned by the Department of Natural Resources.) The Snohomish County Council recently approved the funding, and we’re grateful for Snohomish County Councilmember Terry Ryan’s advocacy.

These milestones, and the support of our partners, make me very confident in Bothell’s future. Working together, we’re making Bothell’s downtown a vibrant place to dine, shop and enjoy community events. We’re also ensuring that there are plenty of green spaces to escape, unwind and enjoy nature.

Jennifer Phillips is the Bothell city manager.