Status
As of May 2008
Phase: Bid Award & Construction
Design is complete. The project will open bids in May 2008. Construction will be underway in later summer/early fall. During construction, the park will remain open including the entry road, beach area and picnic shelters. Measures will be taken to limit impacts to park use and to protect the public from construction activities.

The project will improve the park entrance and road; pedestrian sidewalks, stairs and trails; slope stability; bridge access and safety; a new beach wash-down area; a new overlook parking area across from the caretaker’s residence; a new mid-level terrace area with parking, picnic area and gathering space; and new entry, way-finding and interpretive educational signage.

Habitat restoration, a goal of the Master Plan, continues this year with the assistance of the University of Washington’s Ecological Restoration Student “Capstone” project.  The student’s third work party occurred on Saturday, March 15^th.  Community leaders are still being sought to spearhead the Friends of Saltwater Park group, to help maintain these restored areas of the park throughout the year when students are not available.

Overview & History
In May 2006, Shoreline voters approved a bond issue to acquire park property and improve parks throughout the community.  One element of that bond was to make improvements to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Improvements identified in a recently completed master plan include erosion control and safety measures, trail and landscape upgrades, natural area enhancements and upgrades to restrooms and picnic areas.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is a 40-acre park located in the west portion of the City in the Richmond Beach neighborhood.  The park is bordered by the Puget Sound on the west.  It is the only park in the City of Shoreline that provides direct public access to the saltwater shoreline.  The park provides views of Puget Sound and is widely used by the community for such activities as strolls on the beach, enjoying the views, City-sponsored concerts and family picnics. 

In 1890, C. W. Smith platted the property as Richmond Beach to sell parcels as a business and resort community.  It was one of the first properties to be platted west of 20th Avenue NW and south of NW 200th Street.