What started as a recommendation by members of the Lynnwood Parks and Recreation Board in 1998 became a reality on April 1, 2013, as the city formally dedicated Stadler Ridge Park.

Mayor Don Gough, City Council President Loren Simmonds, City Council Vice-President Sid Roberts and Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Sordel were among the city officials at the formal opening and dedication of the new park.

Also present were about a dozen members of the Stadler family, who Gough noted was “one of the pioneering families way, way back in this particular area, who settled in Alderwood Manor.”

Gough encouraged everyone to look at the interpretative sign at the entrance to the park. The sign tells the history of the site and of the Stadler family, who homesteaded in this section of Alderwood Manor in 1928.

The Parks and Recreation Board proposed the idea of a neighborhood park in 1998 and in the three years that followed, the city purchase four residential lots, totaling a little more than two acres. The design and planning of the park started in 2004 and in 2009 the city received a grant from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.

“We’re striving to have walkable parks like this through all of our neighborhoods,” Gough said. “As part of our visioning, that’s what we want to keep doing.”

The park preserved the existing stumps, logs and boulders as natural play features. There are three play areas connected by slides as well as a basketball court, picnic area along with a walking trail.

“Our family, the Stadler family, we’re very honored that you’ve made this park, Stadler Ridge Park” said Cheri Stadler-Ryan. “The ridge up there where all those houses are, that was on our property when we were kids. We all lived there. We’re humbled and excited that there is a neighborhood park.”

The park is located at 17428 33rd Pl. W.