Everett smelter cleanup in parks

American Legion Park is in NW Everett, Viola Oursler viewpoint is east of East Marine View Drive, and Wiggums Hollow is between Broadway and E Marine View Drive.

There are three parks within the Everett smelter cleanup site:

American Legion Memorial Park and Arboretum
Wiggums Hollow Park
Viola Oursler Viewpoint

Ecology sampled park soil in 2011 and 2012. All three parks had arsenic in soil at levels that require cleanup. With funding from the Legislature, we have completed the majority of cleanup at all three parks. Some cleanup is still needed at the Hibulb Lookout (formerly the American Legion Memorial Park Overlook) at American Legion Memorial Park.

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American Legion Memorial Park

Green grass, trees, and a bark-covered path. — American Legion Memorial Park

In 2015, Ecology and the City of Everett cleaned up American Legion Park. The cleanup was designed to remove contaminated soils while protecting park trees.

Hibulb Lookout (American Legion Park Overlook)

Planning for the Hibulb Lookout cleanup started in spring of 2020, but we had to stop work due to lack of funding.

The contamination at the lookout does not pose an immediate health risk. However, exposure to arsenic over time may be a health hazard. If you plan on visiting, please limit your exposure to contaminated soils by taking healthy actions:

Wash hands and toys with soap and water after playing in the dirt.
Wash hands before eating or putting anything in your mouth.
Take off your shoes when you get home.
Wipe off your pet’s paws and bathe pets often.
Wash blackberries or other fruit from the parks before eating it.

The City of Everett cleaned up the Legion Memorial Golf Course through our Voluntary Cleanup Program, not with funds from the Legislature. In this program, Ecology staff provide technical assistance for a fee. Learn more about this cleanup on our Legion Memorial Golf Course webpage.

A cover of clean soil a minimum of 4 inches thick was installed across the frequently used areas of the golf course. To protect this cleanup action, an Environmental Covenant was filed with Snohomish County to ensure the maintenance of the clean soil cover and existing buildings and parking lots.

In 2020, the City sold a parcel of the golf course property to Haack Brothers Inc. for redevelopment into single family homes. Ecology determined that this parcel does not require more cleanup, and it is no longer included in the Environmental covenant.

Wiggums Hollow Park and Viola Oursler Viewpoint

Green grass field — Wiggums Hollow Park after cleanup

Ecology cleaned up Wiggums Hollow Park and Viola Oursler Viewpoint in 2019, with funding from the Legislature.

Map of Everett showing location of American Legion Memorial and Wiggums Hollow Parks

Contact information

Project Hotline
425-446-1024
Staff will return all calls within 24 hours Monday through Friday.