Everett Following ten seasons of autumnal thrills, the Arlington Community Haunted House confirmed on September 24 that it will conclude its annual run this year, with 2025 serving as its final edition.
Jackie Murray, who previously led operations for the attraction, shared the decision on social media, noting it was delivered with profound emotion.
Murray explained that evolving fire and building regulations, now strictly applied to此类 attractions, have rendered continued operation under the existing infrastructure unfeasible, despite years of adherence to prior standards. Even after implementing substantial modifications, she noted, officials indicated the site would not qualify for licensing beyond this year.
On September 23, following the city’s formal denial of the 2026 permit, leadership met with municipal staff, including North County Assistant Fire Chief Steve Goforth and City Building Official Kevin Olander, Murray said during an interview last Friday.
She described the social media post as the most challenging communication she has ever prepared.
“Telling our volunteers, that was the hardest part,” Murray said. “I’m blessed with an outstanding team of dedicated individuals.”
A city assessment identified pending obligations under fire, construction, and land-use rules that needed resolution, according to Arlington spokesperson Mandy Kruger, who outlined the matter in a Wednesday email. Kruger emphasized these demands were not novel but had been flagged during the 2025 season and left open as the 2026 application was evaluated.
The applicant received a written notice outlining required adjustments and referencing the specific code provisions involved, she added.
Murray highlighted structural concerns centered on materials used for the maze walls, primarily plywood and black polyethylene sheeting, as central to the city’s objections.
Although the formal rejection did not bar the group from correcting issues and reapplying, the timing proved pivotal, Kruger noted.
“The building code in question has been in place since 2010,” Murray said, “but it wasn’t until recently that the city began applying it consistently.”
In 2021, the state directed local governments to enforce the International Building and Fire Codes for special amusement buildings, with full implementation beginning in 2024. Prior to that, jurisdictions retained discretion over adoption.
City Administrator Paul Ellis stated that the city’s aim is to collaborate with applicants to establish realistic pathways to compliance.
“Public events must meet the same life-safety benchmarks applied to other community gatherings,” he said in an email.
Murray expressed appreciation for the city’s approach, particularly noting the professionalism and tact shown by the four staff members involved in the process.
“They didn’t enter this conversation expecting to deliver tough news any more than we expected to receive it,” she said. “We recognize they carry a duty to uphold city codes, just as we do to operate within those frameworks.”
Though future haunted attractions may emerge in Arlington, Murray anticipates stepping back from direct leadership after a decade-long stewardship.
Her journey began at age 15, when she first envisioned a local haunted house, and continued when she helped construct the initial version at 16. She is now 27.
A longtime organizer of the Arlington Community Haunted House says she is considering stepping back from the event to focus on her own interests. She has begun conversations with veteran volunteers about potentially training a successor or finding a new direction.
The organizer noted that while the project was fulfilling, it required a significant time commitment without any personal compensation. She stated that the funds generated were largely set aside for donation to local clubs and city programs.
Ticket prices were $23, with VIP admission at $27, and the attraction generated approximately $10,000 annually.
Ultimately, she described the haunted house as an effort designed to unite residents and foster a sense of community. She added that the connections made with volunteers were the primary motivation for her continued involvement over the years.
Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@a regional outlet.com; Bluesky: @btayokay.bsky.social