In May of 2000, an idea was born, that all those who have suffered from the HIV/AIDS epidemic should somehow be memorialized. A group at the local "Underground Bar" began a fund raising campaign with shows and auctions. It seemed at the time that the cemetery would be a logical setting, so three plots located on a triangular space near the entrance to the park were to be purchased from Evergreen Cemetery in Everett.
For whatever reason, after having raised nearly $10,000, the original project lost steam. Recently, the remaining members of the AIDS Memorial Committee decided to get the project back on track. Discovering that Evergreen Cemetery had changed management and that the new management did not seem clear on what or where the memorial should be, perhaps not even sure they wanted an AIDS Memorial on their grounds.
A new location for the AIDS Memorial was proposed - the old Snohomish County Campus. A proposal was sent to the County Executive and after some time, the AIDS Memorial Committee met with Snohomish County Facilities Manager and agreed to a proposed site choice on the campus, the plaza west of the old Mission Building at Pacific and Wetmore Avenue.
On March 17, 2005, the AIDS Memorial Committee visited the studio and gardens of George Little and David Lewis on Bainbridge Island well known for their innovative and beautifully crafted outdoor garden art. On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2005, the AIDS Memorial of Snohomish County was dedicated with a ceremony held at the site. Representatives from the county and state governments joined a crowd of local citizens at the Mission Building Plaza to confirm the pledge to remember those who have suffered from the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Snohomish County Gay Men's Task Force