Everett’s Coolest New Playground: Emma Yule Park
Everett has a new playground. And I have to admit, it’s pretty cool.
Having a toddler has turned me into a bit of a playground critic, from parking to sight lines and everything in between. No two of the 40+ parks in Everett are the same. But in my opinion, Emma Yule Park is amongst the best playgrounds in the area, if not the best.
The best playground in Everett? // Garret Hunt
Don’t get me wrong. It is not perfect.
Emma Yule park is considered a “neighborhood park,” which means no bathrooms exist. This is far from ideal for young children, especially when they’re still working on their potty training skills.
No bathrooms, but tons of fun // Garret Hunt
The park is located immediately behind the new Everett YMCA on Colby. So if you have a YMCA membership, it’s not too bad to have to walk around the building to the front to use the bathroom there. Otherwise, plan accordingly.
Lack of bathroom access aside, Emma Yule Park has a lot going for it.
Super soft turf ground that almost feels like a trampoline.
Clearly marked bike lanes that circle the perimeter of the playground.
A divided track surrounds the play area // Garret Hunt
And most importantly, a huge playground with loads of variation for kids of all ages and abilities.
The east side of the playground has smaller slides and toys for the real little ones, including fun little storefronts where your youngsters can run their own pretend pizza shop.
Tot area // Garret Hunt
The toys get larger further toward the west end of the playground, including what seems to be the biggest hit which is the carousel swing. I’ve been to the park three times, and I think each time at least once I’ve seen lines form for these swings. Heck, I’ve even been tempted to hop on!
Get in line for the carousel swing // Garret Hunt
The coolness of Emma Yule Park isn’t just about the park itself, either. The name has its own cool story, as the historical plaque on-site shares. Emma Yule was an instrumental educator in Everett’s school system in the early years; accepting a teaching position in 1891 (two years before Everett even officially became a city). In 1892 she was appointed principal and later became superintendent. But in both cases, she was demoted and the all-male school board replaced her with a man.
Learn about Emma Yule // Garret Hunt
Yule helped develop the school newspaper, theater program, alumni association, and a literary society. She went on to become a world traveler, author, activist and philanthropist. And while Yule may not have been treated fairly by her superiors while she worked in Everett, it is great to see her name on Everett’s coolest new playground.
The official grand opening of Emma Yule Park is tomorrow, Thursday, September 29, 2022
Emma Yule Park
4817 Rucker Avenue
Everett, WA 98203
Garret is the co-founder + CEO of Live in Everett. He’s also journeying toward wholeness at GarretHunt.com.
