Mayor's corner

May is here, flowers are blooming and spring is quickly turning to summer. May is also Bike Month and I can’t wait to get out and ride in the sunshine! This week Everett Public Works began installing 48 bike racks downtown in partnership with Downtown Everett Association and Everett Bike Walk. These will be a great new addition to our incredible downtown, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore our city by bike.

As the weather continues to get nicer, there are many ways to get out and enjoy our beautiful city! Everett Parks is celebrating National Kids to Parks Day on May 18 with activities at two of our beautiful parks. The Fisherman’s Village Music Festival takes place that same weekend – it’s a celebration of our vibrant arts and music scene, draws thousands of visitors to our city and is the perfect way to kick off summer in Everett. Seattle Refined wrote about a few other Everett gems to explore this season.

The other summer activity I’m looking forward to is construction! From our downtown to the waterfront to the riverfront (see below!), many exciting projects are kicking off or getting underway.

More housing and commercial development coming to the Riverfront

Everett City Council unanimously approved changes to the master plan for Everett’s Riverfront Development at their May 1 meeting and construction can begin on the central commercial site. The revised plan includes a phased mixed-use development with a movie theater and specialty grocer, 1,250 multi-family housing units, ground-floor retail and restaurants, a 3-acre park and more.

New playground equipment and new celebrations

Forest Park is due for new playground equipment and our Parks & Community Services team wants to hear from you! Join a community meeting on May 13, 6-7 p.m. at Lions Hall, to learn about this exciting project and share your ideas.

Speaking of Forest Park, join us there or at Walter E. Hall Park on May 18 to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day, a national day of play that connects kids and families with parks. Make new friends, have fun at Everett’s parks with great activities, learn about being park stewards, and so much more.

Get connected

Did you know? We launched our new and improved City website on April 29. Be sure to check it out and share any feedback with us.

Getting informed and up-to-date on City news and happenings is now easier than ever! From City events and projects, to volunteer opportunities, to City news, we have a variety of tools and communication methods you can use to learn what we’re working on and how to get involved. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, sign up for email or text alerts, catch up with public meetings on Everett Channel, and browse around our website to stay informed and engaged!

New Tuesday hours at Everett Animal Shelter

Beginning May 7, the Everett Animal Shelter will open every Tuesday at 2 p.m. instead of 11 a.m. The shelter will remain open until 5 p.m. daily, and will continue serving the public seven days a week, excluding holidays. Hours will remain the same all other days of the week: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are more of an early bird, don’t worry! The shelter team will continue to be available by phone beginning at 9 a.m. daily, and animal control response will not be affected by the change in hours.

Everett Reads! with Sy Montgomery

The library’s popular Everett Reads! program returns May 4 and 5 at the Main Library with author and acclaimed naturalist Sy Montgomery. Children and adults are invited to special presentations by Montgomery to hear exciting tales of adventure and exploration, and learn about the incredible connection between animals and humans. Copies of the author’s books will be available for sale and signing.

Community events

Stop by the Carl Gipson Senior Center’s fourth annual rummage sale on Friday, May 3 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) and Saturday, May 4 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) to find all kinds of treasures, including housewares, clothing, furniture and more! Proceeds support the center and its programs.

Reel in some fun at the annual Kids Fish-In on May 11, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Silver Lake. Children ages 4-14 will discover the basics and fun of fishing with volunteer guides from Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club. Event is free - Register now to catch a spot!

The Everett Farmers Market returns for the 2019 season on Sunday, May 12, at Boxcar Park in the Port of Everett. Enjoy fresh produce and baked goods, browse artisan goods and tap your toes to live music! Learn more at www.everettfarmersmarket.com.

Dig in and help fill Everett streets with color and cheer at two annual Viva Color! volunteer planting events: May 17 in downtown Everett and June 1 at Forest Park. Join Everett Parks & Community Services staff and neighbors of all ages in planting hundreds of blooming plants during Viva Color. We provide gloves, trowels, safety vests, refreshments and souvenir buttons.