On May 29, 2019, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) finalized the acquisition of Lake Washington waterfront property, 13000 Riviera Place NE, in northeast Seattle. This site had been a public small street-end beach property used by the community as a public park and access to Lake Washington since the early 1900’s.
In 2013 in became clear that the land was not in fact publicly owned.
Neighboring community members rallied the City to help restore public access to this waterfront property. In 2015, the City Council authorized the acquisition. The City initiated a condemnation process in 2016, and a settlement was reached. SPR finalized the purchase of this property last month. The property totals 13,736 sq. ft, mostly water, with a small shoreline area of 3,653 sq. ft.
“Our City’s waterfront parks are the gems of the Seattle park system. This acquisition will produce many benefits for the surrounding neighborhood and every District 5 resident who enjoys recreation on Lake Washington. I am grateful to both Seattle Parks and Recreation and the City Attorney’s office for all the hard work that went into restoring public access to this space,” said Councilmember Debora Juarez.
Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes said, “As the weather heats up, the North Seattle public will have new access to the cool waters of Lake Washington. I’m proud of the dogged work of Assistant City Attorney Charles Gussow on my team and our Parks and Recreation Department to secure an agreement to further open our shorelines to the community.”
“We are thrilled to add this small beach into our city’s park system. Access to the natural environment and waterfront provides incredible health, mental health, and community benefits to our residents,” said Jesús Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent.
This small beach is accessible by foot or by bike, and is most easily reached by the Burke Gilman Trail.