A close-up photo of the First Street Gazebo stairs shows a glimpse of the wear sustained throughout the years.
Jake Berg
SNOHOMISH — The future of the First Street Gazebo will be discussed during a January City Council meeting. The city will bring the topic to the City Council to gather feedback on how to best renovate the gazebo at Avenue A and First Street.
The Gazebo needs a new roof, new stairs and many floorboards need to be replaced. The city is considering a renovation or a full demolition.
City economic development manager Wendy Poischbeg said earlier this month that the
No. 1 goal for the new gazebo is ADA accessibility.
If a renovation would occur, the gazebo would be restored to its original glory. Poischbeg said demolition and rebuild would allow the city to explore other options for the location, for example, a small amphitheater for live entertainment or a pocket park.
Poischbeg said that she has heard a lot of community members suggest the new gazebo be large enough to act as a stage for small concerts. She added that events on First Street such as Kla-Ha-Ya Days could benefit from the addition of some sort of stage in the historic downtown.
The gazebo was built in the 1980s and is renowned by many throughout the town of Snohomish as a location for photoshoots and even marriage proposals.
But wear has taken its toll over 30-plus years, which has caused the city to take notice and take action toward the repair.
Earlier in 2020, Snohomish was a finalist in a small-town America contest and was planning on using the prize money for the renovation. After further evaluation, the cost would exceed the $25,000 prize and repairs would be more costly than expected. After Snohomish came up short in the contest, it was apparent the city would have to seek funds to fix the gazebo.
