The residents of Mountlake Terrace celebrate their city’s 50th year of incorporation in 2004, and what a storied 50 years. When the city was founded at the turn of the last century, it was known as “Alderwood Manor.” Logging industries flourished at the time and land was sectioned off into “ranches” for growing mink, chinchillas and poultry. The end of World War II saw numerous veterans and their young families settle in Mountlake Terrace. Today, the city continues to grow as the community development strategy has successfully blended residential harmony with economic prosperity.

One of the successes of downtown development is the popularity of the Gateway Plaza shopping area, which offers excellent shopping and dining. If not in the mood to shop, residents have more than 12 parks and 262 acres of recreational facilities to enjoy. Competitive hockey players practice at the Olympic-sized ice skating rink in Mountlake Terrace and the Recreation Pavilion has an indoor swimming pool and athletic facilities. Evergreen Playfield and Ballinger Park include soccer and softball fields, tennis courts, a playground, outdoor basketball courts, a track and a picnic area. Lake Ballinger is a favorite spot for boating, fishing and windsurfing, and a lovely nine-hole golf course winds along the lakeshore.