The City of Sequim hosts a dedication ceremony for the future Ruth C. McCord Memorial Park, 764 W. Hendrickson Road, at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. City staff ask residents follow the signs for event parking.

Sequim city councilors unanimously approved the $2.45 million purchase of the 16.61-acre property on May 13 from the family of Ruth C. McCord in honor of her wish that it be used as a park for children and seniors.

Over the years, Ruth turned down multiple offers for the land, her son Scott McCord said in a press release, because “she believed she was caretaking a wonderful piece of Sequim for a special use in the future.”

The land is currently under lease and will remain closed to the public and in its present use as the city begins to obtain funding for a master plan, with public input opportunities, and for park development.

Hannah Merrill, Sequim parks and events manager, said previously that staff intend to seek a master plan with community input on their vision for the park’s layout and priorities.

To purchase the park, city staff report they used monies from the Rainy Day Fund, Real Estate Excise Taxes, Park Impact Fees, General Fund Reserve, and state grant funding.

A recent city survey of 506 residents showed that 89% support the purchase of property for the creation of additional parks and/or open spaces. Sequim has eight city-owned parks encompassing a combined 117 acres, not including the new park space.

Contact Merrill at hmerrill@sequimwa.gov with questions about the park.