Lake Forest Park was founded in 1912 by Ole Hanson and A.H. Reid as one of the Seattle area's first planned communities. Envisioned as a picturesque retreat for professionals, the developers planned roads and lots in strict consideration for natural landmarks. Until 1914 and completion of the Red Brick Road to nearby Kenmore and Bothell, it also marked the literal end of improved roads heading north from Seattle, with best access to points further north and east being by boat across Lake Washington or the Seattle, Lake Shore, and Eastern Railroad.
Lake Forest Park officially incorporated on June 20, 1961, in large part to help maintain its specific identity in the face of increasing local development pressing north from Seattle. Its main commercial core, the Lake Forest Park Town Centre, hugs Bothell Way on the eastern border of town, and also hosts the public library, police department, town hall, approximately 30 shops and small businesses, and in the summer, a farmer's market. In late 2005, city government began holding public meetings to discuss whether and how to improve this small area in order to develop a pedestrian-friendly shopping and residential hub.
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