Category Overview
Washington is famous for its gorgeous and abundant waterways, from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River, but many communities lack open public beaches and waterfronts where everyone can enjoy picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and angling. Water Access projects fund public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to create more opportunities for water recreation.
Project Highlights
In response to a request from the City of Burien to remove the trail stairs from the scope of the project, the project description is amended to reflect that change. Public access to the shoreline will be maintained via nonmotorized boat to the beach from the water (Puget Sound). The project acquired property and developed Eagle Landing Park (formerly Branson Beach Park). Development included trails and parking. Original Project Agreement Description This project is to acquire and develop Branson Beach Park, a 7 acre site on Puget Sound with 277 feet of undeveloped shoreline, 2 acres of tidelands and 5 acres of wooded uplands. The tidelands are undeveloped, healthy, support a wide array of marine wildlife, are well separated from commercial and residential development and are well suited to provide saltwater access and recreation in a natural setting. Compatible recreation activities include beachcombing, kayak waypoint, picnicking, viewing marine wildlife, marine traffic and the Olympic Mountains. Branson Beach Park is well situated to provide convenient shoreline access to those arriving by foot, bicycle or automobile with access from both the east and south sides of the property. The upland portion of the site provides a good opportunity for parking and restroom facilities. In keeping with the natural setting, park amenities will be designed to blend in with the environment and require minimal maintenance. Branson Beach Park is a wonderful opportunity to meet goals established in Burien’s Parks Master Plan and to secure saltwater access and shoreline recreation in a natural setting for generations to come. The time to act is ripe as the land is in imminent danger of being subdivided and sold as residential building lots.