Luther Burbank Dock and Waterfront Renovations

The City is completing a years-long process to renovate the Luther Burbank Park waterfront. Built in 1974, the dock structures and adjacent waterfront have reached their useful life and need significant repairs to continue providing the public access to shoreline recreation.

Work to develop this project began in 2019, and the design is informed by the Luther Burbank Park Master Plan, which envisions the park's waterfront as a hub for small motorized and hand-powered watercraft activities. The project also considers accessibility and aesthetic improvements for a comprehensive site plan that, once executed, will expand access to Lake Washington for a variety of park visitors.

In 2024, the City completed seismic retrofits and other improvements to the Boiler Building and restroom/concession stand annex. Now preparations are underway to renovate the dock structures, North Beach, and waterfront plaza.

Construction of the next phase of improvements is anticipated to begin in fall 2026 and includes:

• Renovating the north pier, including replacing decking, jacketing creosote-timber piles, and repairing/replacing degrading piles to continue providing moorage access for large, motorized vessels (26’ and above).
• Replacing the central and south dock structures with a new wave attenuator/mooring float to serve small and mid-sized motorized vessels (below 26’) and special purpose float to serve non-motorized watercraft, including adding an ADA-accessible kayak launch.
• Installing a new ADA overwater platform off the plaza bulkhead to provide a stable surface where community members can enjoy shoreline activities and “get their feet wet.”
• Renovating the North Beach to provide ADA access to the water, including installing a new concrete pathway from the north bulkhead, installing an ADA beach mat to the water, and replacing non-native vegetation with new riparian and native plantings.
• Adding ADA pathway connections from the South Shoreline Trail and renovating the existing hidden path from the plaza to the playground with an ADA switchback trail and concrete stairs.
• Enhancing shoreline ecological functions with habitat gravel 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 a new raw water intake system to enable the City to activate its water rights and draw water from Lake Washington to support park irrigation.
• Installing plaza improvements and amenities, including new surfacing, picnic tables/benches, signage, and the Mercer Island Medallions public art project.

Staff anticipate that construction will take 15 to 18 months to complete. Regular updates will be shared on Let's Talk once work begins, including information about park closures and impacts.

This project is funded in part by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the King County Flood Control District. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources leases the shorelands at no cost for public access to the waters of the State.