Luther Burbank Dock and Waterfront Renovations

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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.

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  • Share I'm interested in starting a non-profit rowing community and wanted to see if there is potential to store some boats in in the boiler building once complete? Would love to be part of any discussions around this project moving forward. on Facebook Share I'm interested in starting a non-profit rowing community and wanted to see if there is potential to store some boats in in the boiler building once complete? Would love to be part of any discussions around this project moving forward. on X (formerly Twitter) Share I'm interested in starting a non-profit rowing community and wanted to see if there is potential to store some boats in in the boiler building once complete? Would love to be part of any discussions around this project moving forward. on Linkedin Email I'm interested in starting a non-profit rowing community and wanted to see if there is potential to store some boats in in the boiler building once complete? Would love to be part of any discussions around this project moving forward. link

    I'm interested in starting a non-profit rowing community and wanted to see if there is potential to store some boats in in the boiler building once complete? Would love to be part of any discussions around this project moving forward.

    Lauren A. asked about 3 years ago

    Hi Lauren, thanks for reaching out. Rowing was explored in the scoping phase of this project. The future use of the Boiler Building will depend, in part, on what types of boating are likely to meet the demand for boating programs. We currently have high demand for paddle and sailing camps. I would be interested in discussing your ideas more and filling you in on some of the conversations we have already had on this topic. Please call or email me at your convenience. Paul West 206-677-1028 paul.west@mercerisland.gov.

    rowing, crew, shell
    rowing crew shell
  • Share What is the total project cost and how will this benefit residents of Mercer Island as opposed to the off island users? It seems like we are creating better access to the park for everyone else and using Island residents property tax dollars to pay for it all. Am I missing something? on Facebook Share What is the total project cost and how will this benefit residents of Mercer Island as opposed to the off island users? It seems like we are creating better access to the park for everyone else and using Island residents property tax dollars to pay for it all. Am I missing something? on X (formerly Twitter) Share What is the total project cost and how will this benefit residents of Mercer Island as opposed to the off island users? It seems like we are creating better access to the park for everyone else and using Island residents property tax dollars to pay for it all. Am I missing something? on Linkedin Email What is the total project cost and how will this benefit residents of Mercer Island as opposed to the off island users? It seems like we are creating better access to the park for everyone else and using Island residents property tax dollars to pay for it all. Am I missing something? link

    What is the total project cost and how will this benefit residents of Mercer Island as opposed to the off island users? It seems like we are creating better access to the park for everyone else and using Island residents property tax dollars to pay for it all. Am I missing something?

    JT asked over 3 years ago

    The total project cost is $7.5 million. The majority of this cost will be funded by grants in support of the regional importance of the park. A statistical survey of park users conducted by Bellevue College found that 60% of park users are not from Mercer Island. We expect that non-City funding will pay for the project in a similar proportion.

  • Share Will the dock include recharging stations for electric and hybrid power boats? As and Island community that prioritizes sustainability and a pleasure boating industry that is heading to electric powered boating Mercer Island can take the lead on this. Perhaps we can even get a partner to install the charging station --but a a minimum let's get the power stubbed out for the future! on Facebook Share Will the dock include recharging stations for electric and hybrid power boats? As and Island community that prioritizes sustainability and a pleasure boating industry that is heading to electric powered boating Mercer Island can take the lead on this. Perhaps we can even get a partner to install the charging station --but a a minimum let's get the power stubbed out for the future! on X (formerly Twitter) Share Will the dock include recharging stations for electric and hybrid power boats? As and Island community that prioritizes sustainability and a pleasure boating industry that is heading to electric powered boating Mercer Island can take the lead on this. Perhaps we can even get a partner to install the charging station --but a a minimum let's get the power stubbed out for the future! on Linkedin Email Will the dock include recharging stations for electric and hybrid power boats? As and Island community that prioritizes sustainability and a pleasure boating industry that is heading to electric powered boating Mercer Island can take the lead on this. Perhaps we can even get a partner to install the charging station --but a a minimum let's get the power stubbed out for the future! link

    Will the dock include recharging stations for electric and hybrid power boats? As and Island community that prioritizes sustainability and a pleasure boating industry that is heading to electric powered boating Mercer Island can take the lead on this. Perhaps we can even get a partner to install the charging station --but a a minimum let's get the power stubbed out for the future!

    EastSeattle asked over 5 years ago

    Great idea! Unfortunately, there will not be power on the docks. The power feed to the waterfront is very limited and there are no plans to upgrade that.

  • Share Would it make sense to consider moving MIPD Marine Patrol to the new docks at Luther Burbank (they are currently located under I-90 bridge and their space seems a bit small and dated). Might allow Marine Patrol to have larger/better dock space and potentially storage or small precinct facility near the dock. Could then upgrade the public boat launch docks (at a later date) and have more access points for the public there, which seems to be a busy launch site. on Facebook Share Would it make sense to consider moving MIPD Marine Patrol to the new docks at Luther Burbank (they are currently located under I-90 bridge and their space seems a bit small and dated). Might allow Marine Patrol to have larger/better dock space and potentially storage or small precinct facility near the dock. Could then upgrade the public boat launch docks (at a later date) and have more access points for the public there, which seems to be a busy launch site. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Would it make sense to consider moving MIPD Marine Patrol to the new docks at Luther Burbank (they are currently located under I-90 bridge and their space seems a bit small and dated). Might allow Marine Patrol to have larger/better dock space and potentially storage or small precinct facility near the dock. Could then upgrade the public boat launch docks (at a later date) and have more access points for the public there, which seems to be a busy launch site. on Linkedin Email Would it make sense to consider moving MIPD Marine Patrol to the new docks at Luther Burbank (they are currently located under I-90 bridge and their space seems a bit small and dated). Might allow Marine Patrol to have larger/better dock space and potentially storage or small precinct facility near the dock. Could then upgrade the public boat launch docks (at a later date) and have more access points for the public there, which seems to be a busy launch site. link

    Would it make sense to consider moving MIPD Marine Patrol to the new docks at Luther Burbank (they are currently located under I-90 bridge and their space seems a bit small and dated). Might allow Marine Patrol to have larger/better dock space and potentially storage or small precinct facility near the dock. Could then upgrade the public boat launch docks (at a later date) and have more access points for the public there, which seems to be a busy launch site.

    Jason asked about 6 years ago

    Sgt Brian Noel of the Mercer Island Marine Patrol weighed in on this answer. Security is the biggest issue. Luther Burbank Parks is a harder site to secure. Marine Patrol's current location allows interstate 90 to be a gigantic roof over the boats which allows us to do a lot of maintenance and work out of the weather. We would need good vehicle access. A lot of the equipment we take to and from the boats requires access by vehicle, and or the boat ramp. Moving the boats to Luther would move the boats a significant distance away from the police department which would slow our response times. The only way we would agree with moving the boats to Luther Burbank would be if the police department moved there also. 

    Additionally, this idea is not part of the Luther Burbank Park Master Plan. That was the product of two years of conversations and negotiations within the Mercer Island community. The resulting plan preserves the open space character of the park. To relocate marine patrol to the park would require amending the master plan which likely would be controversial.

  • Share On August 5: The video made mention of the Boiler Bldg. as being central to this idea of a gathering place. What is the funding available for this project to upgrade/re-design that building? by Peter Struck via email on Facebook Share On August 5: The video made mention of the Boiler Bldg. as being central to this idea of a gathering place. What is the funding available for this project to upgrade/re-design that building? by Peter Struck via email on X (formerly Twitter) Share On August 5: The video made mention of the Boiler Bldg. as being central to this idea of a gathering place. What is the funding available for this project to upgrade/re-design that building? by Peter Struck via email on Linkedin Email On August 5: The video made mention of the Boiler Bldg. as being central to this idea of a gathering place. What is the funding available for this project to upgrade/re-design that building? by Peter Struck via email link

    On August 5: The video made mention of the Boiler Bldg. as being central to this idea of a gathering place. What is the funding available for this project to upgrade/re-design that building? by Peter Struck via email

    about 6 years ago

    in 2017, the City completed a feasibility study for the renovation and reuse of the boiler building in accordance with the Luther Burbank Park Master Plan. The first step is to stabilize the building to preserve it for future reuse. City staff have identified the Washington State Capital Heritage Grant program as a source of matching funds to begin some of this work. This work has been proposed in previous capital budgets but has not yet received funding. 

  • Share in order to tailor the best deck size and deck freeboard design, etc. wouldn't it help to have hard data on usage among boaters (and the different types), pedestrians, fishing, etc. Clearly, if the predominate use was kayaks that would suggest a different design/layout than if it was going to be a fishing pier? on Facebook Share in order to tailor the best deck size and deck freeboard design, etc. wouldn't it help to have hard data on usage among boaters (and the different types), pedestrians, fishing, etc. Clearly, if the predominate use was kayaks that would suggest a different design/layout than if it was going to be a fishing pier? on X (formerly Twitter) Share in order to tailor the best deck size and deck freeboard design, etc. wouldn't it help to have hard data on usage among boaters (and the different types), pedestrians, fishing, etc. Clearly, if the predominate use was kayaks that would suggest a different design/layout than if it was going to be a fishing pier? on Linkedin Email in order to tailor the best deck size and deck freeboard design, etc. wouldn't it help to have hard data on usage among boaters (and the different types), pedestrians, fishing, etc. Clearly, if the predominate use was kayaks that would suggest a different design/layout than if it was going to be a fishing pier? link

    in order to tailor the best deck size and deck freeboard design, etc. wouldn't it help to have hard data on usage among boaters (and the different types), pedestrians, fishing, etc. Clearly, if the predominate use was kayaks that would suggest a different design/layout than if it was going to be a fishing pier?

    about 6 years ago

    It would help to have use data. That is not easy to come by. We have time-lapse video of the docks from 2017 that we have looked at. We did a survey of dock users in 2018. The problem with both of these sources is that they do not anticipate recreation trends or changes in demand with the construction of new facilities. Currently not a lot of paddlecraft use the area, but would they if it was more accessible? The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) has surveys that show trends in outdoor recreation which we can study. 

  • Share On August 5: In listening to the videos, it sounded like this meeting would allow input that would help the consultants in their design. To put in context, is the next step a 30% design phase? by Peter Struck via email on Facebook Share On August 5: In listening to the videos, it sounded like this meeting would allow input that would help the consultants in their design. To put in context, is the next step a 30% design phase? by Peter Struck via email on X (formerly Twitter) Share On August 5: In listening to the videos, it sounded like this meeting would allow input that would help the consultants in their design. To put in context, is the next step a 30% design phase? by Peter Struck via email on Linkedin Email On August 5: In listening to the videos, it sounded like this meeting would allow input that would help the consultants in their design. To put in context, is the next step a 30% design phase? by Peter Struck via email link

    On August 5: In listening to the videos, it sounded like this meeting would allow input that would help the consultants in their design. To put in context, is the next step a 30% design phase? by Peter Struck via email

    about 6 years ago

    The next step is a concept plan which is typically considered 10% design. This is deciding what components will be designed in what configuration. It does not get into the nuts and bolts of how the components are constructed for the most part.

Page last updated: 08 Sep 2026, 06:24 PM