Construction of the Ballinger Park Waterfront Project began July 1 and will continue into September. The waterfront project will add a brand new fishing pier, boat dock, boat launch, and enhanced shoreline improvements. Project funding also covers the new restrooms at the boat launch as well as an accessible pathway from the Mickey Corso Community Center (Senior Center) to the boat launch area. The existing fishing pier, boat ramp, and tire rip rap will be demolished as part of the total project that costs nearly $1.5 million.
During this time, the boat launch, driveway, and parking lot area are closed. Additionally, there is no access to existing fishing pier or wading area during construction.
Although it is not preferred to close the beach and fishing area during the summer, the project is reliant upon federal permits that stipulate in-water work can only be done during the fish window period of July 1 through August 31. That means the in-water construction work will occur in July and August because this period of time has the least risk to fish and their habitat. Upland work is anticipated to conclude in September.
The remainder of the 55-acre park will be open and available to the public. Alternate access for small hand launch boats will be located only on the east side of the park and is marked on site. Parking will only be available at the north parking lot near the Senior Center at 23000 Lakeview Drive.
“We understand it is disappointing that the beach will be closed for most of the summer,” stated Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Betz. “However getting funding for these terrific amenities that were included in the 2015 Ballinger Park Master Plan is a huge win not only for Mountlake Terrace, but the region.”
To learn more about Ballinger Park projects, visit www.cityofmlt.com/2042. For more information about this project, please contact Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Betz at jbetz@mltwa.gov or (425) 640-3101.
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Photo Courtesy of Dean Wallace Photo, LLC