FOLLOWUP: Port of Seattle has questions for you about Jack Block Park

| Port of Seattle | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(March photo, sent by James)

Three weeks ago, we reported that the pier at port-owned Jack Block Park in West Seattle [map] – closed for months because of safety concerns – might need to be rebuilt. Our report included the port’s promise that a survey would be launched to get the community’s thoughts about options. Today, that survey is open – starting here. It’s short, asking how often you visit the park, what you do there, and what you would consider important (or not); a potential new pier and/or new boardwalk are on the list. There’s also an open-ended question about what facilities and features you’d like to see. The survey will be open all month, and the port will come up with a proposal after that. Meantime, though the pier at the 15-acre park remains closed, the rest of the park is open, including the overlook with expansive views of Elliott Bay.

Beepee April 1, 2021 (2:21 pm)

I filled out the survey , but thought I’d add it here so maybe more people can suggest. I think a nice swing-set similar to the one at Lincoln park would be a great addition

Ezekiel April 1, 2021 (2:24 pm)

I use Jack Block park as the starting point for my walks back and forth along Alki, and I usually begin with a walk on the pier. It’s one of my favorite places in West Seattle, and I hope they rebuild and expand it!

WSEA April 1, 2021 (3:26 pm)

I wish they would remove a couple of those speed bumps. Driving to the rear lot is hard work. I also would love to have a small dog park someplace. Maybe fence in the small pebble area in the middle of the park. Added comments in the survey.

Molm April 1, 2021 (7:21 pm)

The speed bumps are there because cars used to drag race on that strip and it was unsafe and problematic. My kids used to skate down there but the problem with cars racing was completely unsafe. I applaud the Port for making it unattractive for drag racers. The speed bumps need to stay to make that area unattractive to drag racers and reduce the attractive nuisance areas on the west Seattle Peninsula. Unfortunately, the skaters in my family were out of luck and had to skate other places. I would take that any day rather than have more places where car clubs can gather and drag race in West Seattle. The more places they can roll up to, the more unsafe and noisy the streets around here for all west seattle residents.
Auntie April 1, 2021 (8:14 pm)

The speed bumps make it hard work? Huh? How hard is it to first, go slow and second, put your foot over onto the brake pedal, push it down, and glide over the speed bumps.
- Also John April 1, 2021 (8:57 pm)
  
  @Auntie…. I thought the same thing. Speed bumps are hard work? Walking must be a nightmare effort?!
  - WSEA April 1, 2021 (9:23 pm)
    
    @also john – good one. walking is a nightmare. dont get me started on uneven sidewalks. Are you normally rude in your comments? I can coach you on proper responses if you need help. Practice making friends. Example: How are they are hard to go over? are they high or too pointed? too long? too many? I’m here to help.
    - Auntie April 2, 2021 (1:28 pm)
      
      The person who complained about the speed bumps said “driving to the rear lot is hard work.” They made no mention of walking, biking or skating being made difficult. Hence my snarky comment about the difficulty of driving sloooooowly, which is the intention of installing speed bumps, but which many people have difficulty doing.

Ron Swanson April 1, 2021 (5:17 pm)

I commented. Replacing the pier is a waste of money, improve the playground with some swings and stuff and open the beach to the east of the observation tower up.

Also John April 1, 2021 (8:59 pm)

I stated the same. It’s a beautiful old timber pier, but not worth saving. The cost would be to high and that money can be spent elsewhere.

Considering April 1, 2021 (6:02 pm)

How about a dog park? That’s what I dangled in the open ended question. Contained and out of the way.

Reality Chick April 1, 2021 (8:12 pm)

I, too, said on the survey that the speed humps are a problem while noting that they were most likely installed due to car & motorcycles using the area for racing. But that the decision to install them had a big impact–so my open-ended comment was to come up with a design that strikes a balance between the scofflaws and those who are on skates, skateboards, and, of course, people driving the speed limit…

Eileen April 1, 2021 (8:55 pm)

I commented too. Thanks for the link. I love the pier and access for launching kayaks.

K to the F April 2, 2021 (11:37 am)

Filled out the form, thx! Dog park is an interesting idea but, as I noted in my survey, they need to better enforce keeping dogs off the beach as is clearly marked (and the case for every beach in Seattle). Not just on-leash, dogs aren’t allowed on beaches period. They disturb (and sometimes mame) wildlife and, of course, leave their leavings to flow into the water and for kids to dig up. Saw a kid run away from an unleashed dog and into the water a couple weeks ago which was ridiculous and infuriating. Be better, Seattle, and please heed this common sense rule at Jack Block and on all our beaches.

J April 2, 2021 (5:36 pm)

Have some vision, Seattle! Think big! What would Scandinavia do? Swimming park. Build a nice wood containment area, cold plunges all year. Take your dog park elsewhere, pal.

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