The beautiful Ballinger Park waterfront and surrounding area will be even better after the city and funding partners begin some major improvements. The current boat launch/beach area of the park has not seen upgrades like this since 1977!
A new fishing pier, boat dock, boat launch, and shoreline improvements are in store for this project that will likely take place in July and August after the contract was awarded by the City Council last week.
The timeline is set to have all these improvements completed by the end of this summer. Why is the city doing this project in the summer? The construction window for the waterfront project can only be done in the summer due to state and federal regulations for in water work to protect salmon and their habitat during spawning. Therefore, the boat launch, beach, and a portion of the parking lot will be closed when the project commences, with the bulk of the work currently expected for all of July, August and a portion of September.
A universally accessible playground will be located on the southeast side of the park near the boat launch following community input received earlier this year. The installation of the playground is scheduled for early fall.
Another improvement at Ballinger Park are the new restrooms that were installed late last year. The building has stainless steel fixtures, auto locking doors, four individual family style restrooms, and an outdoor shower.
Thanks to recent funding awards in the State Capital Budget and a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Hall Creek Restoration design is underway and targeted for construction in 2022-2023. This project will provide for ecological restoration to Ballinger Park to improve habitat in an already urbanized and rapidly developing urban area, particularly for species of concern such as amphibians and many migrating birds.
Lake access will be provided in alternate locations for launching kayaks, fishing and other water activities. Stay tuned to future communications and signage in the park directing users to these areas.
To learn more about Ballinger Park projects, visit www.cityofmlt.com/2039. 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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