Everett outlines bike restrictions, barriers and a shift toward sail shades at Thornton A Sullivan Park

Everett officials on June 24 presented a package of safety and amenity changes for Thornton A Sullivan Park that would require riders to dismount inside park limits, reroute loop‑trail cyclists onto Silver Lake Road at park entrances and add chicane barriers and signage to slow approaching riders.

Parks and Facilities Director Kimberly Moore said the city has seen "a large influx in the use of mini motorcycles and other electric powered bikes and vehicles" within park grass and playground areas, at times "sometimes at speeds exceeding 15 miles per hour," and that the proposed rules aim to keep pedestrians safe. Moore said riders with Thornton A Sullivan as their destination would be asked to dismount and walk within park limits, with bike racks placed at popular destinations and pavement markings and signage guiding loop riders to existing bike lanes on Silver Lake Road.

The proposal includes three chicane barriers (one at the 118th Place entrance and two at the main park entrances) designed to preserve ADA and emergency access while slowing vehicles. "These barriers will maintain ADA access and allow park maintenance trucks and emergency vehicles to enter the park as needed," Moore said.

The presentation also reviewed the city's experience with shade shelters. Moore contrasted permanent, full‑service picnic shelters (with electricity, water and grills) — which she said cost more to build and maintain and can create concealed areas prone to vandalism — with seasonal sail shades, which are installed in spring and removed in fall. She cited a Walter Hall Park sail shade project that included a concrete pad and amenities for approximately $60,000 and characterized sail shades as "an affordable best practice for park systems in our region." Moore and a Parks colleague said sail shades offer better sightlines for community members and law enforcement.

Council members pressed on equity and durability. Council Member Barbano said sail shades "don't work the entire year" and argued that high‑density, lower‑income neighborhoods deserve permanent structures that provide year‑round protection. Other councilmembers and staff described documented vandalism, utility misuse and winter maintenance needs at permanent shelters and said those tradeoffs inform a strategy of improving sightlines and making repairs as shelters age.

The council did not take a formal vote on the park rules during the meeting; staff asked councilmembers for questions and feedback as they refine the plan.

Moore encouraged residents to report observed unsafe riding and invited further council direction as staff prepares recommended code or rule changes and installation plans.