Staff unveils 90% design for Allen Park boat-trailer parking, estimates about $3.36 million

Engineering specialist Jillian Longley presented the 90% design for a boat-trailer parking lot at the former Public Works site north of Bonney Lake Boulevard adjacent to the senior center and ball fields.

Longley said the project would create 48 trailer stalls protected by a perimeter fence and electric gate, repave the senior-center auxiliary parking, and manage stormwater on site with bioretention swales and planters to infiltrate runoff. "Primary public access to the boat trailer park is off Bonney Lake Boulevard near the intersection of 194th Avenue East," Longley said. Access between the trailer lot and the historic society area would be limited to city staff by key card.

Staff presented a tentative schedule: presentation to City Council in May or June 2026 for a decision to proceed, permitting in summer 2026 if approved, and potential construction in spring 2027. Longley gave an October 25, 2025 cost estimate of $3,357,888 for the project and noted that Park Fund 302 had $3,000,999,240 available for improvements at Allen Park according to the packet; staff said that estimate would leave approximately $641,352 for other planned and unplanned improvements at the park. Commissioners asked about security, gate access, possible user fees or gate codes, and construction duration (staff said 3–6 months is a theoretical construction window but that materials and other delays could extend that timeline).

Commissioners also raised small operational questions (flagpole location and senior-center visibility) and encouraged staff to note those items in the drawings. No motion was requested because the presentation was for information and to gather commission feedback prior to council review.

Staff identified the funding source as the Park Fund and said further budget or funding decisions would be considered by council during the next steps.