Chambers Creek North Dock & Pedestrian Overpass

Our Work / Water Access / Chambers Creek North Dock & Pedestrian Overpass

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

The Pierce County Public Works and Utilities Department used this grant to extend an elevated pedestrian overpass of the Burlington Northern-Sante Fe Railroad. The BNSF Railroad separated 2 miles of beach from the uplands in University Place. The finished project provides public access to more than 2 miles of Puget Sound shoreline that has not been open to the public for more than 100 years. Two sets of stairs provide access to the beach. The beach is located adjacent to an award-winning, beautifully reclaimed, former gravel mine that offers views of islands, the Olympic Mountains, south Puget Sound, and the Chambers Creek Regional Park. The overpass provides the only public access to this beach other than by boat. The closest public beach is 3.2 miles south of this site and is separated by Chambers Bay.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Pierce Co Public Works Category: Water Access WWRP Grant: $483,540.52 Applicant Match: $483,540.52 Project Type: Development County: Pierce Legislative District: 28 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 08-1210

Location Details

From Olympia-Directions to the Pierce County Environmental Services Building (Sponsor's Office) located at the Chambers Creek Properties: Take the Bridgeport Way SW exit ramp (Exit 125 from I-5 North) toward Lakewood/McChord Air Force Base. Turn left onto Bridgeport Way SW. Go approximately 4.5 miles on Bridgeport. Turn left onto Chambers Lane W. Stay straight on this road as it changes names to Chambers Creek Rd W. then 64th St W. Environmental Services Building is located at the first roundabout at 9850 64th Street West in University Place. Worksite is accessed from entrance to Chambers Bay Golf Course at 6320 Grandview Dr. W (aka 99th Ave W) in University Place. Head W on 64th, then N on Grandview to entrance on your left. Take access road down the long hill site.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.