Mill Creek sports complex gets the thumbs up

Mill Creek is experiencing a growth spurt.

The recent approval of a recreation complex by the hearing examiner is the latest example.

Related: Small town Bothell getting big city makeover

The hearing examiner approved construction of the 98,000-square-foot indoor Arena Sports building at 13518 Bothell-Everett Highway.

“We are pleased with the hearing examiner’s decision,” said City Manager Rebecca Polizzotto. “This arena sports facility will have tremendous positive impact for our community. Supporting our city goal about recreational opportunities, it will provide diverse opportunities for families and neighbors to get out, recreate together, and enhance our strong community bond.”

The recreation complex will include two soccer fields and a warm-up field, bowling lanes, laser tag, a play area, party rooms, and more. It will be located near the North Creek Regional Trail, Mill Creek Sports Park, McCollum County Park, Jackson High School and Heatherwood Middle School.

Polizzotto says the facility, like other recent additions, could help build tourism in the area.

According to tourism data for Snohomish County, visitor spending was $1 billion in 2015. Recreation and entertainment drew in about $136 million. Restaurants brought in $308 million that year.

The complex will be up to approximately twice the size of the Arena Sports in Redmond. The Mill Creek location will be the company’s fifth. The company will hire up to 200 employees, most of them will be part-time.

Arena Sports in Mill Creek will be developed on 6.74 acres of land near the McMenamins. The structure will be surrounded by more than 300 parking stalls.

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