Replacing Leschi Pier and Breakwater

Construction may start as early as August with parts of the work needed to replace the Leschi Pier and construct a new breakwater/walkway for the South Leschi Marina.

The contract management division of the Department of Parks and Recreation is preparing bidding documents for several preliminary actions—cleaning the underwater environment of the Marina, reconstructing the shoreline along Leschi Park, removing the old wood Leschi Pier, and the trenching for new electrical lines across Lakeside Avenue.

The schedule depends on whether acceptable bids are submitted.

In August, the underwater cleaning of accumulated rubbish in the water may start and some structural piles and floats for the breakwater could be installed.

In September, re-building the beach and installing new landscaping (mostly shrubs and ground cover) could be underway. A gravel beach would be ramped up to ground level. There may also be provision for launching and storing kayaks at shore.

In late September or October, the electrical utility work could start with main controls on the west side of Lakeside Avenue just south of the Leschi Market. The electrical wires to support the new pier and breakwater will be under-grounded. That means trenching across Lakeside Avenue and the parking area at shoreside with associated disruption of traffic.

Removing the old Leschi Pier may occur as early as late February 2026.

As a result of community feedback, some new benches or some kind of a seating area may be provided in Leschi Park by the entry to the Marina to allow public to relax and enjoy the view of Mt. Rainier, I-90, the Lake, and distant shores. However, an issue not settled is how to provide access for canoes and kayaks. Earlier, Parks said that half of the lower dock next to Leschi Pier would be preserved to accommodate the hand-operated vessels, with a storage rack above. Apparently, this was not accepted, but an alternative approach of docking and storing kayaks and canoes at the renovated shore area is being considered.

For further information or questions, please contact John Barber at barber-osa@comcast.net.

~John Barber