Luther Burbank Dock and Waterfront Improvements

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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.

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.

  • 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.

    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.

  • WA Boating Facilities Grant Awarded

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    The City was awarded a $173,000 grant from Washington State's Boating Facilities Program to support a new floating dock to replace some of the fixed piers that currently exist. This will make the dock more usable for small boats and reduce the impact it has on lake habitat. Since the dock needs major repairs, this is a good time to look at this opportunity for needed improvements.

    The dock was built in 1974 also with a Boating Facilities Program grant. That program and others can be used to fund the improvements that come out of this process. Park users will


    The City was awarded a $173,000 grant from Washington State's Boating Facilities Program to support a new floating dock to replace some of the fixed piers that currently exist. This will make the dock more usable for small boats and reduce the impact it has on lake habitat. Since the dock needs major repairs, this is a good time to look at this opportunity for needed improvements.

    The dock was built in 1974 also with a Boating Facilities Program grant. That program and others can be used to fund the improvements that come out of this process. Park users will have a chance to give their suggestions as the process gets underway, so stay tuned.

    For more information, contact Paul West at 206-275-7833 or paul.west@mercergov.org.

  • City Applies for Boating Facilities Grant to Pursue Dock Reconfiguration

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    The City of Mercer Island has applied for a Washington State Boating Facilities Grant through the Recreation and Conservation Office this winter. This grant, if awarded, would contribute to the design of one or more replacement sections of the docks at Luther Burbank Park so that they better meet boaters needs. Time lapse video from 2017 and user surveys shows that most of the boats using these docks are smaller pleasure boats. A floating dock would make it easier for these boats to tie up for day moorage. The current fixed pier docks are too high for small boats to

    The City of Mercer Island has applied for a Washington State Boating Facilities Grant through the Recreation and Conservation Office this winter. This grant, if awarded, would contribute to the design of one or more replacement sections of the docks at Luther Burbank Park so that they better meet boaters needs. Time lapse video from 2017 and user surveys shows that most of the boats using these docks are smaller pleasure boats. A floating dock would make it easier for these boats to tie up for day moorage. The current fixed pier docks are too high for small boats to use easily.

    If the City receives the grant, design would start in the second half of 2019. Public input would help guide the design with City Council making a final decision in 2020. Keep your fingers crossed!

Page last updated: 09 Oct 2026, 02:00 PM