Penny Creek Natural Area Update - October 2026
By Allen Gibbs
A Mill Creek City Council majority voted on Tuesday, September 22nd, to take more steps toward acquisition of the Penny Creek Natural Area.
According to a HeraldNet story written by Jenna Peterson, and published September 24th on the newspaper’s website, the new timeline is for the city to acquire ownership in early 2027.
The following excerpt is from the HeraldNet story.
“The Penny Creek Natural Area is a 60-acre wetland off of 35th Avenue Southeast. For the past year, a community group has been advocating for the city of Mill Creek to acquire the area, which is currently owned by a neighborhood apartment complex. The development agreement stated that five years after all parts of the project were approved, the city take ownership of the property at no cost. The agreement also stated The Farm by Vintage could disallow public access if the city doesn’t take ownership after five years.”
Pilchuck Audubon Society supports acquisition of the Penny Creek Natural Area by the city of Mill Creek. Penny Creek is a tributary to Lake Washington and is a salmon-bearing stream. It is a popular visiting spot for many birds. Especially those attracted to its wetland habitats.
If you are a subscriber to the HeraldNet, there is a link to the full story by Ms. Peterson who has done fine work reporting on this proposal.