If you’ve driven through downtown Stanwood recently and noticed construction happening near the Amtrak station, here’s what’s going on.

Construction officially began October 5, 2026, on Depot Park, a new public plaza being built in downtown Stanwood near the Amtrak station.

It’s a relatively small piece of property, but there’s an interesting history behind it, and it’s part of a much larger project happening in downtown Stanwood.

From an Old Service Station to a New Downtown Park

The 0.11-acre property was once home to a service station. According to the City of Stanwood, the site had contaminated soils that required environmental cleanup before redevelopment.

The City purchased the property in late 2021 for $80,000. Working with the Washington State Department of Ecology and Department of Commerce, the City secured nearly $380,000 in grant funding for environmental cleanup.

After sitting vacant for years, the property is finally being turned into something the community can enjoy.

What’s Being Built at Depot Park?

According to the City of Stanwood, the finished park will include:

A small Scandinavian-inspired stage for live music and community events
Public seating
A designated location for the community holiday tree
Accessible connections to the rear parking lot
Public art
Wayfinding signage

Construction is expected to be completed by January 2027.

If you’re heading downtown while construction is underway, businesses remain open, and the City says no street closures are anticipated. The park property itself will remain fenced during construction.

How Depot Park Fits Into Stanwood’s Twin City Mile Project

This is where the project gets a little more interesting.

If you live in Stanwood, you know we don’t really have one traditional downtown. We have our historic east and west downtown areas, with businesses, restaurants, schools, and other destinations between them.

The City’s Twin City Mile Revitalization Project is intended to better connect those areas, stretching from City Hall Park on the west side toward the Amtrak station on the east.

The larger project includes pedestrian improvements, public gathering spaces, landscaping, public art, and other improvements designed to make downtown more inviting and easier to navigate.

Depot Park will become another gathering space on the east side of downtown, near the Amtrak station.

Another Change Coming to Downtown Stanwood

I’ve lived in Stanwood since 2001, and I enjoy following the projects happening around our community.

Depot Park won’t be a large traditional park with acres of grass or walking trails. That’s not what it’s intended to be.

Instead, it’s a small downtown gathering space where people will be able to sit, meet friends, enjoy music, or attend a community event.

And I think it’s nice to see a property that sat vacant for so long finally getting a new purpose.

I’ll be watching as construction continues and sharing updates as the park starts taking shape.

Depot Park Construction Details

Location: Downtown Stanwood, near the Stanwood Amtrak station

Construction began: October 5, 2026

Anticipated completion: January 2027

Project: City of Stanwood’s Twin City Mile Revitalization Project

Living in Stanwood, Washington

I live and work in Stanwood and enjoy sharing what’s happening in our community, from local events and neighborhood updates to new developments and real estate information.

You can explore more of my Living in Stanwood articles and videos here on my website.