Luther Burbank Docks and Adjacent Waterfront Renovation and Upgrade

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The City's Public Works Department is planning to renovate the waterfront at Luther Burbank Park. Built in 1974, the docks and adjacent waterfront need major repairs to continue to provide the public with shoreline recreation. In particular, the fixed height piers are not useful for smaller boats and don't serve the needs of most current boaters or the City's boating programs.

The City is completing a design to:

  • Replace the south piers with floating docks for small (26' or less) power boats and non-motorized craft
  • Renovate the north pier
  • Expand the cobble beach and provide an accessible route to the ordinary high water level
  • Renovate the plaza with permeable paving, landscaping, furnishings and art
  • Install overwater stairs next to the Handsome Bollards to provide seating and contact with the lake
  • Stabilize the Boiler Building for continued boat storage and future reuse as a small craft boating facility
  • Renovate the restrooms and concession stand for boating programs
  • Construct a deck and railing on top of the restroom annex to provide space for viewing and passive enjoyment of the lake setting
  • Improve drainage across the site while minimizing impacts to the nearshore lake environment
  • Install a lake water intake and irrigation pump to irrigate the swim beach and Calkins Point

This work will use the Luther Burbank Park Master Plan to guide the design process. The plan provides a vision of a waterfront activity center centered around small boats including power, sail and paddlecraft. The design will also consider how to make the waterfront more accessible and attractive for the general public.

This project has received (so far) funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, and King County Flood Control District. Washington State Department of Natural Resources leases the shorelands at no cost for public access to the waters of the State.

The City's Public Works Department is planning to renovate the waterfront at Luther Burbank Park. Built in 1974, the docks and adjacent waterfront need major repairs to continue to provide the public with shoreline recreation. In particular, the fixed height piers are not useful for smaller boats and don't serve the needs of most current boaters or the City's boating programs.

The City is completing a design to:

  • Replace the south piers with floating docks for small (26' or less) power boats and non-motorized craft
  • Renovate the north pier
  • Expand the cobble beach and provide an accessible route to the ordinary high water level
  • Renovate the plaza with permeable paving, landscaping, furnishings and art
  • Install overwater stairs next to the Handsome Bollards to provide seating and contact with the lake
  • Stabilize the Boiler Building for continued boat storage and future reuse as a small craft boating facility
  • Renovate the restrooms and concession stand for boating programs
  • Construct a deck and railing on top of the restroom annex to provide space for viewing and passive enjoyment of the lake setting
  • Improve drainage across the site while minimizing impacts to the nearshore lake environment
  • Install a lake water intake and irrigation pump to irrigate the swim beach and Calkins Point

This work will use the Luther Burbank Park Master Plan to guide the design process. The plan provides a vision of a waterfront activity center centered around small boats including power, sail and paddlecraft. The design will also consider how to make the waterfront more accessible and attractive for the general public.

This project has received (so far) funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, and King County Flood Control District. Washington State Department of Natural Resources leases the shorelands at no cost for public access to the waters of the State.

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  • KPFF Inc. Selected to Design New Docks at Luther Burbank Park

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    The City of Mercer Island has selected KPFF Inc. to lead the design work for Luther Burbank Park docks. KPFF was one of three firms interviewed. Their long-standing experience in marine facilities and stellar team made their proposal successful. Andy Bennett, PE will be the Principal in charge of the project. Relevant project experience includes work on Meydenbauer Marina, Portage Bay Park, and the Arboretum Waterfront Trail. Work is expected to get underway in June 2020 with site inspection. Look for opportunities to give your opinion on choices for the project later in the summer.

Page last updated: 12 Mar 2024, 03:31 PM