Major Project Milestone Reached for Luther Burbank Park Waterfront!
This week, the City advertised the Luther Burbank Park Waterfront Improvements project for construction, marking a major step forward in completing renovations at the waterfront!
Design for this project began in 2020 and aims to provide universal access to the Luther Burbank waterfront by:
- Renovating/replacing the docks to better serve hand-powered and motorized watercraft
- Adding ADA pathways from upland areas and to the waterfront, including a new accessible path to the water along the North Beach
- Installing a new ADA overwater platform to provide a stable surface where community members can enjoy activities on the water and "get their feet wet" at the plaza
- Enhancing shoreline ecological functions with habitat gravel, native vegetation, and lakebed cleanup
- Upgrading sewer, electrical, stormwater, and irrigation utilities as well as installing a new fire suppression system to serve the docks and Boiler Building
- Installing plaza improvements and amenities, including new surfacing, picnic tables/benches, signage, and the Mercer Island Medallions public art project
Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer or early fall. After a construction contract is awarded, the project is expected to take approximately 15 to 18 months to complete. Regular updates on project progress, schedule, and any anticipated park impacts will be shared on Let's Talk once construction begins.
Since 2022, the City has been coordinating with eight federal, state, and local agencies to secure more than 20 permits/approvals for this project, making this one of the most complex park redevelopment projects on Mercer Island in decades!
Thank you to the community for your patience as we worked to successfully permit this project.
