Mill Creek moves forward in possible assumption of Penny Creek Natural Area

EVERETT — The Mill Creek City Council narrowly voted Tuesday to take a step forward in assuming ownership of a large natural area in the city.

Over the past year, a community group has been advocating for Mill Creek to acquire the Penny Creek Natural Area, a 60-acre wetland off of 35th Avenue Southeast.

The property is currently owned by a neighboring apartment complex, The Farm by Vintage. In exchange for a reduced wetland buffer, The Farm by Vintage bought the property in 2019, pledging to maintain the area and keep it open for the public.

The agreement stated that five years after all parts of the project were approved — or November 2025 — the city could take ownership of the property at no cost. The agreement also stated that The Farm by Vintage could disallow public access if the city doesn’t take ownership after five years.

https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/04/29/mill-creek-moves-forward-in-possible-assumption-of-penny-creek-natural-area/