Major Maintenance Project Information
Madrona Park Creek Daylighting and Restoration

Address: 853 Lake Washington Blvd

Current Status

Project Description

Budget: $805,000
The total creek daylighting project was accomplished with grants, donations and volunteer time/labor. Approximate dollar amount shown represents only cash/grants.
Construction begins:
Project complete: February 2009 - some planting continues

This community-initiated project took Madrona Creek out of pipes and put it back on the surface of the ground to provide multiple benefits including habitat, environmental education and scenic beauty in Madrona Park. The work was accomplished in two phases over 3 years, by a combination of contracted services for creek and bridge construction, and volunteer timeand labor. It was funded through in-kind services and cash donation/grants.
The creek tumbles down the ravine under 38th Avenue and Lake Washington Boulevard and through the park in a series of pools and fish-passable weirs, finally reaching the new wetland cove carved into the Lake Washington shore.
The community remains involved in re-vegetating the construction areas and caring for the new native plants. There are ongoing work parties that involve students and also environmental education programs with the local elementary and middle schools.

The day-lighting project has reconnected cool spring-fed creek waters with the shoreline, increasing habitat benefits for all types of local wildlife including the migrating endangered juvenile Chinook salmon and other salmon species. It has also involved 300 or more volunteers in watershed restoration and creek construction, thereby increasing opportunities for inner-city environmental stewardship, education and awareness. The intent of the project is also to inform, inspire and encourage others to act and restore ecosystems in their neighborhoods.

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