Cover replacement for 60 million gallon reservoir

Aerial view of Horizon View Park and reservoir
Google Earth

Seattle Public Utilities is beginning the process to replace the floating cover on the 60-million gallon Lake Forest Park Reservoir in Horizon View Park.

Installed in 2001, the cover is near the end of its life.

SPU and City of Lake Forest Park staff met to discuss the project, including cover options and drainage needs, Lake Forest Park’s interests at the site, and coordination.

SPU is focusing its evaluation on replacing the existing floating cover with another floating cover or an aluminum cover.

Lake Forest Park staff expressed interest in partnering in some way to help meet other City objectives, including the possibility for more public use of the areas to the north and east of the reservoir itself, more area and greenspace for the perimeter path currently in right-of-way and possible use of solar panels.

Staff also inquired whether a buried reservoir with possible top use was under consideration. SPU is putting together a planning level cost estimate for a buried reservoir as part of the evaluation, but does not see it as a viable option due to a $70-90 million premium over the existing cover replacement options being considered.

Additional meetings will be held as the project unfolds. Construction is planned for 2020.

--City Administrator's report to Council, Lake Forest Park