Edgewater Park Waterfront Improvements

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

Edgewater Park is a 2.8-acre undeveloped linear park on the northeastern shore of Lake Steilacoom in the City of Lakewood. The overall goal of this  development project is to create new water access, improve safety, and restore shoreline habitat. New and improved recreation amenities at the park will include construction of a fishing pier, accessible trails, designated swimming area, parking, hand-carry launch, pocket beaches, and site furnishings. Shoreline habitat will meet required mitigation for this development project and include restoring and removing invasives, restoring wetlands and buffers with native plantings, and reducing erosion using natural materials. Lake Steilacoom is the second largest lake in the City at just over 300 acres in size and supports many species of fish and wildlife. This park is the only public access to the lake for the community.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Lakewood City of Category: Water Access WWRP Grant: $2,230,000.00 Applicant Match: $1,740,153.00 Project Type: Development County: Pierce Legislative District: 28 Status: Active RCO Project # 24-1943

Location Details

Accessing the site is straightforward, and no current barriers exists to arrive to the area. Directions below are from the I-5 Northbound, assuming travel from Olympia. Follow I-5 N to Pierce County. Take exit 124 from I-5 N Merge onto I-5 N Take exit 124 toward Gravelly Lake Dr/Ponders/VA Hospital/Pierce College Continue on Nyanza Rd SW. Take Gravelly Lake Dr SW and Dekoven Dr SW to Edgewater Dr SW Continue onto Gravelly Lake Dr SW/Nyanza Rd SW At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit Continue onto Nyanza Rd SW Turn right onto Gravelly Lake Dr SW Pass by HomeStreet Bank (on the left in 0.4 mi) Turn left after Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews (on the right) At the traffic circle, continue straight onto Dekoven Dr SW At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Dekoven Dr SW Continue straight onto Lake Grove St SW Turn right onto Waverly Dr SW Turn left onto Edgewater Dr SW Destination will be on your left and park can be informal along road, or along Foster Street

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.