Lake Forest Park board backs 70% Lakefront Park plan, asks for clearer funding details

The Lake Forest Park Parks & Recreation Advisory Board reviewed a 70% design package for Lakefront Park that integrates interpretive elements into the site and confirmed next steps in permitting and public outreach.

Amber, a design consultant with Facets, told the board the project is “basically on hold with the design work” while land‑use approvals proceed: SEPA has been issued, Army Corps and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) submittals are underway, the team expects a hearing examiner hearing in December and the examiner then has two weeks to issue a decision followed by a 90‑day agency approval window. Amber said design work is expected to resume in January and the project could be bid in April with construction targeted for early summer, contingent on permit outcomes.

The 70% package includes three interpretive exhibits: a system of subtle metal markers indicating a historic 28‑foot lake contour through the park; an artist‑driven wildlife scavenger‑hunt using concrete stamps installed in sidewalks; and viewpoint photo panels showing historical scenes with modern views. Amber said the current cost estimate includes a $30,000 line item covering fabrication for all exhibits, with options to scale up if additional grant funds become available or scale down to meet that target.

Board members pressed for clearer, public funding documentation after one member said the city web page currently lists the project as “90% funded by grants.” Rati asked for a project webpage that lists grant names and award amounts so voters and candidates can access accurate information. Corey and Amber said staff will update the project web page and FAQs and noted that the “90% funded” figure on the site refers to anticipated production funding (the city has already paid for a portion of design to 70%). Amber added that some awards (for example an RCO Aquatic Lands Enhancement Act grant) have been awarded in past rounds but dollar amounts and award conditions can change and will be posted with caveats.

On interpretive content, the board favored subtle, integrated elements to avoid what members called “sign pollution.” Suggestions included adding display dates or typographic cues to indicate historic items (for example an older font or a label such as “pre‑1912”), using QR codes that link to an online archive for extended photo captions and credits, and coordinating designs with existing city branding and other parks’ signage. Amber recommended limiting permanent markers to roughly seven items in the initial installation to preserve visual openness, with templates stored for future additions.

Next steps the board endorsed: staff will coordinate a meeting with the Shoreline Historical Museum to identify candidate photos, publish a call for artists and a call for historic photographs with a required year and photographer credit, and update the project web page with clearer funding details. Amber said staff will return with 100% design coordination once permits are complete and when the board’s input on typography, photo selection and procurement approach is incorporated.

The advisory board did not take a formal vote on design direction at the meeting; staff requested the board deliberate over the coming month and report a sense of direction before the end of the year so the consultant can finalize 100% design assumptions.

What’s next: staff will pursue the museum meeting, publish calls for art and photos, update the project web page’s funding section and report back as permitting decisions are issued.