Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Residents looking for a quiet place for contemplation need look no further than the Byers Family Park.

The park also known as the Peace Park, at 604 Fourth St., adjacent to SR-525 and across the street from the Red Cup Café, isn't officially completed. Mayor Jennifer Gregerson said that landscaping and the installation of a sign still remain.

But residents are able to enjoy two benches and an arbor, both of which were installed in the last two months. One of the benches honors Kamiak graduates Anna Bui, Jordan Ebner, and Jake Long, who were shot and killed by a former classmate in 2016. A fourth individual was shot and injured, but survived.

Gregerson noted that the park is not a memorial to the three young people who lost their lives.

"It was inspired by them," she said. "It's a forward-looking park of peace and inspiration."

Many of the family members of the shooting victims have been out to see the park after the benches were installed. They've told the city that they appreciate and are grateful for the park, Gregerson said. "They are looking for an opportunity to do some plantings to make their mark on the site as well."

David Pan

A bench at the Byers Family Park honors Kamiak graduates Anna Bui, Jordan Ebner and Jake Long, who were shot and killed by a former classmate in 2016.

The idea of the Peace Park has been discussed since 2016. After more than 20 gatherings designed to solicit public input, the Byers property was selected as the site for the Peace Park, due largely to its unobstructed view of Puget Sound, Mukilteo Lighthouse, and Lighthouse Park.

At some point in the future, the city likely will do some type of official recognition of the opening of the park.

Bicyclists heading up or down the Mukilteo Speedway should stop by, as the park features a repair station with tools. The idea came from a brainstorming session by the Parks and Arts Commission. A biking community gathers not far from the park.

"We don't have a lot of those (biking) amenities," Gregerson said. "The park is right alongside the road. There are resources for bicyclists.''

Construction of the park started in July 2020, and the entire funding is through a state grant.

The owner of the land died, and his brother donated it to the city in 2013 to be used as a park in the future, with the only caveat being the Byers name be included in the park's name.