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On February 27, members of the Leschi Community Council met with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) staff, neighboring condominium residents, and local Life Scouts to discuss plans for improving the Dearborn Street End. Omar Akkari, SDOT’s Shoreline Street Ends Program Coordinator, shared a draft concept plan for the site. The proposal focuses on replacing the existing lawn with native plantings and a defined pathway while also refreshing the two existing benches. The goal is to create a welcoming space that balances shoreline habitat, public access, and the views that neighbors enjoy today. Preserving the lake view is a key priority in the design. Taller plants would be placed around the edges of the space, while the center area would remain lower to maintain sightlines to the water. Maintaining visibility into the site is also an important safety consideration. One idea discussed was planting red-flowering currant along the condominium side of the street end. Urban Forestry staff will help determine the best placement for new trees, including a slow-growing shore pine. Any trees planted will be selected and located with views in mind and are expected to remain relatively modest in height. Another possibility is a smaller willow that would reach roughly 15 feet at maturity. As trees grow, they will be limbed up over time to help preserve views of the lake. Several groundcover and shoreline plantings were also discussed. Low-growing strawberries may be used along the slope, while the heavily shaded southern edge of the site will require shade-tolerant plants. Bullrushes are also being considered along the shoreline to help stabilize the bank and improve water quality. Because the site includes underground utilities such as sewer lines, planting locations will need to account for required offsets and infrastructure constraints. Tree limbs and root systems must also stay within certain limits, which may affect the final placement of plantings. Akkari emphasized that the Street Ends program works to balance multiple needs—including public access, shoreline habitat, neighborhood safety, and preserving views of the water. The pathway through the space will likely be gravel in the long term, though mulch may be used initially to define the path. The first phase of work will take place soon. Life Scouts will host a work party the first weekend in April to remove sod, add mulch, and spruce up the benches. Native plantings will be installed in the fall, when cooler temperatures and seasonal rains will help the plants establish. Next summer, Leschi volunteers will also be needed to help water the young plants during their first growing season. Please note that the concept plan shared at the meeting is still a draft, and plant locations may shift as SDOT Urban Forestry reviews the site and final infrastructure offsets are confirmed. ~Nikola Davidson

At first glance, the scene can be surprising: people in swimsuits emerging from a steaming cedar sauna and heading toward the cold waters of Lake Washington. Heat up. Cool down. Repeat. That’s the simple rhythm behind Bywater Sauna’s newest location at Leschi Marina, and for many participants, the appeal becomes obvious after the first session. Barrel Sauna exterior. “I feel more connected to nature, more part of the Seattle ecosystem,” says Natalie G. “It’s magical to be swimming with rain falling on me.” “It helps me battle the darkness and isolation of winter,” adds Erik D. View of the cold plunge dock and Mt. Rainier from sauna For John B., the setting is part of the magic. “I love floating with merganser ducks swimming by at eye level, Mt. Rainier in the distance, and good-natured fishermen on the nearby dock gently teasing me, as they wonder what the heck I’m thinking.” Many people come to sauna and cold-water immersion for the potential health benefits. Research suggests the practice may help reduce inflammation and anxiety while supporting cardiovascular health, immunity, and muscle recovery. Regular participants often report improved mood, mental clarity, and better sleep. At a minimum, the experience offers an hour away from phones and other distractions. But for Bywater founder Nate Garberich, wellness was only part of the inspiration. Garberich, a Seattle native, started Bywater with the goal of creating a place where the warmth of human interaction is just as important as the physical benefits.  That idea comes to life in a casual, outdoor gathering space. “Long, dark winters and gray weather can be lonely,” says Nate. “By contrast, sauna sessions bring people together.”  Hand-painted signs, lounge chairs, plants and flowers surround the saunas, which sit beneath strings of cheery bistro lights. The space feels closer to a friendly community hangout than a spa, and for many, the setting makes connecting with others easy. “I’ve had meaningful conversations with strangers from all walks of life,” says Blake L. “Bywater is a place where barriers dissolve and genuine human connections form.” For others, Bywater’s new location is the perfect incentive to explore the gems of the Leschi neighborhood. For Nathalie M., “It’s so much more than a wellness routine. It’s community, therapy, and mindful presence—all in one. I live in Fremont and have taken the bus, driven, and biked to Leschi because the neighborhood adds to the whole experience. French Onion Soup at Blu Water Bistro, treats at Leschi Market, meetings at the Starbucks next door—it’s all part of it. I love every Bywater location, but Leschi holds a special place in my heart.” How It Works A typical session begins with guests arriving in swimsuits, checking in with Bywater’s team, and storing their belongings.  Inside the sauna—where temperatures hover around 190°F—participants sit on towels and warm up, while steam rises from water poured over hot stones. The new shed sauna interior The next step is cooling down. Steamy bodies exit the sauna and head towards the water, impervious to chilly winds or rain that might otherwise dampen outdoor enthusiasm. Some participants jump off the dock or climb down a ladder into Lake Washington, where winter water temperatures hover between 45 and 48 degrees. Others grab a bucket of fresh water to dump over their heads, and a few simply sit outside in the chilly air. Any option works if it cools down the body. Most people spend around 15 minutes heating up in the sauna before stepping out. The cold phase can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on personal tolerance. Participants repeat the cycle several times during a session.  Over time, many find their tolerance for the extremes gradually increases. Still, the practice isn’t about pushing limits. The goal, regulars say, is to let the body respond to the contrast between heat and cold and let these natural stressors support and strengthen health and well-being. Details Sessions at Bywater run 60 minutes on weekdays and 75 minutes on weekends, with time slots offered throughout the day across their four locations in Seattle. Individual sessions cost $35 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. A monthly membership for $100 offers unlimited sessions (up to one per day) and a free guest pass. In May, Bywater will wrap up its Leschi operations for the season to make way for the summer boaters. For now, though, the dock remains a gathering place where neighbors meet, warm up, cool down, and embrace the Seattle winter. More information and reservations are available at bywatersauna.com . ~Kate Winton

At the start of 2026, the Leschi Community Council formed a Traffic Safety Committee. Its purpose is to push projects forward that will make Leschi a safer and more pleasant place to walk, run, bike, drive, visit and, of course, live. The committee is open to any Leschi neighbor who is interested and is led by Jim Davidson. With funding for traffic calming on Lakeside Ave earmarked in the recently approved transportation levy, we have a specific opportunity to slow down traffic through the business district and make it safer for pedestrians to move about. This was naturally the main topic for the first committee meeting in February. 13 residents met at BluWater Bistro to discuss specific concerns and ideas. Besides pedestrian crossing issues, we also discussed speeding on 31st Avenue between the school and Jackson Street, as well as whether the city could share data and results on whether traffic calming further south on Lake Washington has worked. The concerns were forwarded to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) in preparation of a walkthrough on Lakeside. On March 3rd during the afternoon rush hour, several residents met with three representatives of SDOT to witness commuter traffic through the neighborhood, as well as congestion and confusion with people backing out of parking spaces into oncoming traffic. The city representatives took copious notes and listened to and discussed possible options from lane narrowing to speed cushions to flashing lights at crosswalks. They also registered the misaligned curb cuts and visibility issues at crosswalks. Traffic safety will be the topic of our upcoming community meeting on Wednesday, April 1st. SDOT representatives will review their assessment of traffic issues on Lakeside, share data on speeding collected last November, and discuss potential options for traffic calming and tie-ins with other projects, such as the shoreline and marina improvements. While it’s unlikely that the full-scale project will be implemented in 2026, there may be an opportunity to make some improvements this year. Representatives of the Leschi Community Council recently submitted a request to allocate a portion of the $1M discretionary district fund with Council member Hollingsworth’s staff to make the crosswalk between Leschi Market and Blu Water more visible. Additionally, the Leschi Elementary PTA is working with SDOT on traffic management during pickup times around the school. They previously worked to make the crossing between Yesler and 31st Ave a 4-way stop, which was a great accomplishment. And shoutout to a neighbor who took it upon themselves to buy and install a crossing flag kit at Alder and Lakeside. With the Leschi Traffic Safety initiative we aim to document traffic concerns across Leschi and regularly engage with SDOT and City Council to address those concerns. If you have any hot spots you would like to see addressed, please contact us at leschicouncil@gmail.com  or fill out this form online. We will set a time for our next committee meeting after our April 1st community meeting with SDOT. ~Jim Davidson and Matthias Linnenkamp

Leschi from Past to Present Discover the stories that shaped our neighborhood and explore the vibrant businesses that contribute to its unique character. Join us on a journey through the past and present of Leschi Leschi is a vibrant lakeside community with exceptional access to Lake Washington, parks, and open space. Situated between the two bridges that span Lake Washington, Leschi is a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, featuring steep hills and valleys in lower Leschi and breathtaking views of the lake and Mt. Rainier in upper Leschi. Established in 1958, the Leschi Community Council has united neighbors around housing, schools, parks, public safety, and a shared commitment to community and place. Access to Leschi is facilitated by public transportation. Metro Bus #27 connects to the lakefront area, while upper Leschi enjoys additional options such as Metro Bus #14 on Jackson and Bus #8 along Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Bus #3 runs on Cherry St., the northern boundary of Leschi, providing a route to downtown. Businesses Leschi Market Mom-&-pop veteran grocer with a butcher shop, fresh produce & deli also selling beer & wine. Pablo y Pablo Relaxed hangout offering New American eats in a hip room near the lake & marina. The Polka Dot Jersey A friendly, customer-centered bike shop. Your hub for road and mountain bike service and sales. BluWater Bistro Cozy bistro with lake views serving food & cocktails, from weekend brunch to late happy hours. SOL Yoga Heated studio with a challenging and athletic practice designed to leave you feeling strong, and free of stress. Daniel's Broiler Premium steakhouse serving surf 'n' turf in a converted 1919 boathouse with mountain & water views. This is just a small list. Check out the map below for more. >> Leschi's charm extends to its small business district along Lake Washington/Lakeside Ave. The neighborhood is home to Leschi Elementary School and the Central Area Senior Center, offering a million-dollar view of the lake, the I-90 bridge, the Cascades, and Mt. Rainier, available for event rentals. Originally described as a "charming place...almost like a country place in the city," Leschi retains its appeal with parks and green hills. Despite changes since early settlers displaced native peoples, reminders of the Nisqually tribe's heritage endure, from Chief Leschi's name to motifs at Leschi School and the Chief Leschi trail in Frink Park. Leschi's history includes a transition from Nisqually summer encampments for fishing and berry-picking to logging in the 19th century. The area became a suburban retreat with amenities like an amusement park, zoo, dance pavilion, and ferry landing. By 1910, Leschi Park attracted city residents seeking leisure and scenic water views. As Seattle expanded, Leschi became less remote. Leschi Elementary School was established in 1909, and the cable car service was replaced by a bus in the late 1930s. Today, families utilize Bus #27 for a quick downtown commute, and Leschi remains a desirable destination with marinas, parks, waterfront restaurants, and hidden stairways showcasing architectural diversity. Get the Inside Scoop! Join our newsletter for exclusive insights, event invites, and Leschi happenings delivered to your inbox. Enter your email here Subscribe Thanks! Visit Leschi Leschi invites visitors to explore its trails, savor the views, dine in lakeside restaurants, and experience a neighborhood that beckons you to stay for a day or perhaps a lifetime.

The Leschi Community Council makes Seattle's Leschi neighborhood a great place to live, work, and visit. Leschi residents are encouraged to volunteer and subscribe to The Leschi News. LCC hosts community meetings that are open to the public and address a variety of local topics. Strengthening the Leschi Community The Leschi Community Council brings neighbors together to host community events, care for our greenspaces, share local stories, and advocate for a safer, more connected neighborhood - helping make Leschi a welcoming place to live and visit. We Engage our Community Empowering Leschi residents, we're a resource for change and connection. Explore, engage, and make a difference in the heart of our vibrant community! Leschi News Subscribe to Leschi’s volunteer-run newspaper - providing local news, neighborhood stories, and community updates. Community Events Join our monthly community meetings to connect with neighbors, share local concerns and ideas, and hear updates directly from City partners. Volunteer Opportunities Help shape our neighborhood by volunteering in areas like community engagement, green spaces, traffic safety, or Leschi News. Leschi News We publish the Leschi News , Seattle’s longest running neighborhood newspapers. Community Meetings & Events We organize community events that bring neighbors together, connect people with local leaders and artists, and focus on issues that matter most to Leschi. Upcoming Events Building Safer Streets in Leschi Wed, Apr 01 Grace United Methodist Church RSVP A Conversation with City Council President Joy Hollingsworth Wed, May 06 Grace United Methodist Church RSVP Stay Informed, Stay Connected Sign up for our email newsletter to receive neighborhood news, events, and updates delivered to your inbox once or twice a month. Enter your email here Subscribe Thanks! Over Sixty Years of Neighborhood Improvement Established in 1958, the Leschi Community Council has united neighbors around housing, schools, parks, public safety, and a shared commitment to community and place. Learn more

Featured articles from The Leschi News, our monthly community newsletter. featured articles March Meeting Leschi Council Jan 28, 2024 November LCC General Meeting Leschi Council Oct 23, 2023 October Candidate Forum Leschi Council Sep 25, 2023 The Fire Outlook for 2020 Leschi Council Sep 1, 2020 Black Lives Matter and Occupations Leschi Council Sep 1, 2020 Beaver Believer Leschi Council Jun 1, 2020 Save the Post Office! Leschi Council Jun 1, 2020 Thank You to Our Heroes! Leschi Council Jun 1, 2020 Discover the Art All Around Us! Leschi Council May 1, 2020 A Special Plea to Leschi Homeowners Leschi Council May 1, 2020 Reparations: What About the Cost? Leschi Council Apr 1, 2020 Will Spring Slow the Coronavirus? Leschi Council Apr 1, 2020 1 2 3 4 5 All Articles (902) 902 posts council (224) 224 posts reviews (166) 166 posts events (135) 135 posts community meetings (94) 94 posts art reviews (89) 89 posts people (92) 92 posts editorials (59) 59 posts restaurant reviews (63) 63 posts Executive Board minutes (54) 54 posts community news (60) 60 posts wine reviews (49) 49 posts parks (60) 60 posts President's Message (45) 45 posts weather (43) 43 posts businesses (37) 37 posts book reviews (30) 30 posts commentary (24) 24 posts moorage (21) 21 posts history (35) 35 posts gardening (18) 18 posts schools (19) 19 posts activities (20) 20 posts important updates (103) 103 posts sights (12) 12 posts safety (15) 15 posts volunteering (16) 16 posts climate (7) 7 posts LURC (6) 6 posts housing (8) 8 posts transportation (4) 4 posts transportation (3) 3 posts movie reviews (3) 3 posts reviews (5) 5 posts