7. Open Space and Parks

Goal L-11: Ensure adequate park and recreation facilities in the Lakeview Neighborhood.

Current park needs for the Lakeview Neighborhood are being met by existing facilities. Terrace Park is a neighborhood park. Marsh and Houghton Beach Parks are waterfront parks, and Yarrow Bay Wetlands is a passive natural area (see Figure L-1).

Policy L-11.1: The City should continue to acquire property in Lakeview for recreation purposes wherever possible.

As properties adjacent to existing parks become available, the City should seek opportunities to acquire land for expansion. In addition, shoreline street ends should be accessible and enhanced for public enjoyment.

Policy L-11.2: Restore the shoreline within waterfront parks. Replace hard shoreline armoring with native plants and soft armoring techniques while ensuring erosion protection and public access to Lake Washington.

A goal in the Shoreline Area Chapter is to replace hard armoring such as bulkheads and rockeries with softer, natural shorelines planted with native plants to improve shoreline habitat including along waterfront parks. Park restoration can be used as a model for how private property owners can restore their shoreline.

Policy L-11.3: Maintain public views of Lake Washington through waterfront parks.

Ongoing maintenance of existing vegetation at parks to retain views of Lake Washington and beyond from Lake Washington Boulevard is a priority. Shoreline regulations also encourage planting of shoreline vegetation and trees. A balance must be achieved between planting of vegetation for shoreline restoration and maintaining public views. Consideration also should be given to the impact of vegetation on views from nearby properties.

As new trees or vegetation are planted, the placement and variety should carefully be chosen to avoid view obstruction. Neighbors to the east who may be impacted by new vegetation should be involved in providing input on the placement and variety. In addition to the normal notification techniques, the Parks and Community Services Department should notify surrounding residents and the neighborhood association prior to placement of new trees or vegetation that have the potential for impeding views.

Policy L-11.4: Seek opportunities to improve wildlife habitat, increase pedestrian and nonmotorized boat access, if ecological functions can be enhanced at Yarrow Bay wetland.

Yarrow Bay wetlands are one of the largest remaining wetlands on Lake Washington and serve as valuable wildlife habitat, water quality functions as well as aesthetic open space for the community. Public access is available by existing public rights-of-way but is limited. Improving access for viewing wildlife and environmental education through constructing a series of boardwalks should be evaluated provided ecological functions are protected. Wildlife habitat may be improved by removing upland and underwater invasive plants in and near the wetlands. Any future development of the park should be undertaken following a community based master planning process. Considerations for a future park master plan should include protection and enhancement of natural resources while providing appropriate public access. Opportunities for further acquisition of adjacent land in order to preserve and protect the wetlands and associated wetland buffers should also be pursued.