Council approves joint infrastructure planning for Clark and Groveland beaches to prioritize shoreline repairs

The Mercer Island City Council approved a refined “joint infrastructure plan” to prioritize near-term repair and replacement of shoreline structures and waterfront amenities at Clark and Groveland Beach Parks, directing staff to begin design, permitting and community engagement.

Why it matters: both parks were developed in the 1960s–1970s, and staff reported deteriorating sheet piles, bulkheads, stairs and pathways. City staff emphasized that many current waterfront structures would be difficult to permit under today’s environmental rules, so the plan focuses on replacing failing infrastructure while evaluating opportunities for habitat-friendly alternatives and shoreline restoration.

Key points from staff

- Scope and focus: Chief of Operations Jason Kidner told the council the city is narrowing a previously proposed full master plan to an infrastructure-first approach because waterfront repairs are urgent, technically complex and expensive. The new scope prioritizes overwater structures, bulkhead repairs, shoreline stabilization, restrooms and access pathways.

- Permitting and design complexity: Staff and consultant work (Berger Partnership) has included topographic and geotechnical study. Kidner and the consultant told council members that permitting — including hydraulic project approvals, U.S. Army Corps coordination and shoreline permits — will be complex and multi-year. Some existing hardened bulkheads and swim enclosures are not “fish-friendly” and would be hard to permit as-is; staff said removal alternatives could create environmental benefit but require careful engineering and mitigation planning.

- Public priorities: Early outreach found beach access, swimming (especially at Groveland), and picnicking are high priorities for users. Community concerns include degraded amenities, accessibility and off-leash dogs at Clark.

Vote and motion

- Motion to approve the scope of work and community engagement plan for the Clark & Groveland Beach Parks Joint Infrastructure Plan was moved by Councilmember Weinberg and seconded by Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum. Roll-call approval followed (Reynolds: Aye; Andral: Aye; Weinberg: Aye; Mayor Saleem Nies: Aye; Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum: Aye).

Staff comments and next steps

- Staff said they will continue geotechnical and permitting work, develop concept alternatives that consider removals of hardened structures and potential habitat restoration, undertake outreach (Let’s Talk, surveys and open house(s)), and return to council with a draft plan for review in early 2026. Staff noted the city will pursue grant and other funding sources; similar waterfront projects can take multiple years to design, permit and construct.

Ending

Council approved the infrastructure-first scope and directed staff to proceed with design, permitting and community outreach. Staff cautioned that long permitting timelines and cost will be substantive factors in final design decisions.