Echo Lake Park drainage repair project

Echo Lake Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Beginning September 8 and for three to six months thereafter, a small portion of Echo Lake Park will need to be fenced off to the public in order to make repairs to improve drainage in the lowest area of the lawn.

Shortly after the recent park improvements were made, water began ponding in the lowest area of the lawn. City staff reviewed the site conditions and determined that the ponding most likely occurred due to accidental over-compaction of the topsoil layer by construction equipment last summer. 

In order to repair the area, the compacted soils will be removed and replaced with well-draining layers of rock, sand, and topsoil. Installation of these drainage layers will also raise the low elevation by six to ten inches. The improved filtration of water into the ground will reduce ponding.

However, one side effect of this improved drainage will be drier soils and potentially some golden lawn areas during summer months. 

While construction should only take five to seven days, the area will be fenced off for three to six months to allow the grass to establish before opening this area up for public use.

Only the small portion of the open lawn area will be impacted during construction. All other areas of the park, including the playground, will remain open. Expect some minor trail closures, dusty conditions, and some noise from construction equipment. 

For more information contact Park Project Coordinator Maureen Colaizzi 206-801-2603.