Janicki’s Hamilton, Washington, campus has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by rising customer demand and expanded capabilities. Since 2022, manufacturing space and the on-campus workforce have nearly doubled. With that growth came a clear message from employees: create a space to step outside and decompress during the workday.

On the southwest corner of the campus sits Carey’s Slough, part of the Skagit River. The area offers sweeping views of the Iron Mountain hills to the south, the kind of scenery that deserves more than a passing glance from a parking lot. Many employees requested that the land along the slough be converted into a walking trail they could enjoy during breaks or lunch. Janicki’s construction and design teams took that feedback and ran with it.

From Dirt Piles to Wooded Trails

Over four months, crews screened, sifted and moved more than 80,000 yards of dirt excavated from previous building sites to shape the park and its surrounding landscape. The area was then reforested with hundreds of native trees, wildflowers, grasses, stumps and logs, restoring a natural feel to the space.

Employees can now stroll through wooded trails featuring metal artwork and historic logging equipment, with several seating areas for lunch or quiet time. The site also includes a vintage logging bunkhouse, relocated from the Sedro-Woolley Museum, serving as a reminder of the company’s and property’s roots in the logging industry.

The park features an amphitheater and a sports field, providing space for meetings, events and exercise. The trail system gives employees convenient walking access to the newly developed convenience store at the Sinclair Gas Station on Petit Street, a welcome addition for grabbing a snack or drink during a break.

Named by the People Who Use It

To celebrate the park’s opening, Janicki held a contest for employees to name the park, trails and amphitheater. The response was strong: more than 100 submissions came in. Winners received a monetary prize and the honor of having their names memorialized on signage throughout the park.

Most of the winning names are a throwback to the location and company’s roots in the logging industry. For many years, the area was used as a landing for logging companies.

The park is now known as Whistle Punk Park, and the amphitheater was named the Twiggy Sawdust Amphitheater. The trails include Gas Station Hot Dog, which leads from the main trail to the nearby gas station, Tar Heel Stomp, Sluice Box Trail and Ole Logger’s Stroll. The sports field was named Riggin’ Fit Field.

What’s Ahead

The park is expected to continue evolving as plantings mature and new vegetation is added. Future plans include an employee campsite and additional biking trails.

Please note: The park and trails are private amenities for Janicki employees and are not open to the public.