City of Bothell set to celebrate 100th

March 23, 2009 6:45 pm
This is a picture of City Hall in 1940 — the same building houses City Hall today at 18305 101st Ave. N.E.
This is a picture of City Hall in 1940 — the same building houses City Hall today at 18305 101st Ave. N.E.

On April 14, 1909, 599 residents of a community sitting about 12 miles northeast of Seattle voted to incorporate and form a city all their own.

At the time, Bothell was little more than a logging town, Main Street a dirt road. Today, the population has grown a bit to about 33,000, according to City Hall staff members, which is at the forefront in planning for Bothell’s upcoming centennial celebration.

City Communications Director Joyce Goedeke indicated some details still might be in the planning stages, but the celebration begins, predictably, on April 14, 2009, and continues at least through the summer months.

City Council will honor the city with a special presentation at its regular meeting at 6 p.m. April 14 in the Bothell Municipal Court Building. The centennial gets in high gear from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 with the dedication of Centennial Park.

According to the city, the dedication will include a brief ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in the park followed by Arbor Day activities and kids arts and crafts tables.

Located at 1129 208th St. S.E. in the Thrashers Corner neighborhood, the park spans 54 acres and includes natural wildlife habitats and wetlands. The park also is now home to the 106-year-old North Creek Schoolhouse, which was relocated to the park last year. Once fully restored, the school will serve as an interpretive center and meeting room.

“Centennial Park represents the history and the future of this community. It’s a lasting impression for our citizens that Bothell values its heritage,” said City of Bothell Public Works Superintendent Clark Meek. “This park will remain a constant symbol of Bothell’s progress for the next 100 years.”

Other centennial events include a Music in the Park Centennial Concert Series to be held Friday evenings from July through August. The last concert in August will include a fireworks display, with the time and place as yet to be announced. Earlier in the summer, this year’s July 4 celebration will include a centennial parade.

Even as planning for the centennial progresses, residents might notice more than 70 new centennial banners throughout Bothell. The banners feature photos showcasing Bothell history and scenery.

For more information on the centennial or for updates, visit the city of Bothell Web site at www.ci.bothell.wa.us.