FOLLOWUP: If you’re wondering what’s up with the long-closed Jack Block Park pier …

(WSB photo, 2021)

Three years have now passed since we reported that the pier at Jack Block Park (2130 Harbor Avenue SW) might have to be rebuilt, after what by our count was at least its third closure in a year and a half – and this time, a closure from which it has never reopened. The park is owned by the Port of Seattle, and inquiries are handled by the Northwest Seaport Alliance, the partnership of the Seattle and Tacoma port authorities. So we asked NWSA spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh for an update on the pier’s status/future. Here’s what she told us:

Analysis on the best solution (repair or replacement) for the Jack Block Park Pier was conducted and the NWSA has determined a replacement of the pier is best. Design of the Pier Replacement Project will begin this year and funds for the replacement were approved in our 2024 budget. The full completion date of the project has yet to be determined.

We didn’t find the line item in the NWSA’s budget but it’s in the Port of Seattle budget – 196 pages in, $500,000 is allotted this year, $2.5 million next year, and $3.4 million in 2026 for what’s billed as “pier and plaza replacement” at the park.

20 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: If you're wondering what's up with the long-closed Jack Block Park pier ..."

  • Stickerbush January 19, 2024 (12:52 pm)

    It will be 10 years before this reopens if ever.

    • KT January 19, 2024 (2:04 pm)

      That fast you think?  )

  • Daniel January 19, 2024 (2:34 pm)

    Thanks for the follow-up, I was wondering about that in the Don A dock repair post.  Not sure why the plaza needs replacing.

  • JA January 19, 2024 (2:39 pm)

    It’s a worthless park. To drive out to the pier area, there are so many huge speed bumps you wish you hadn’t done it. Then, there’s nothing there really, very small. And you’re isolated, dangerous. 

    • Azimuth January 19, 2024 (3:28 pm)

      The speed bumps are borderline comical, well, the first time at least.

    • Anne January 19, 2024 (3:31 pm)

      Totally disagree-what do you mean there’s nothing there? What do want to be there? The unique & spectacular view is enough & no driving is needed. 

    • DC January 19, 2024 (3:42 pm)

      Well, there will be a nice pier to walk out on once its done. 

    • Jay January 19, 2024 (4:28 pm)

      This reminds me of one star reviews of national parks. I never even noticed the speed bumps, I recommend driving at a reasonable speed and not going there with a lowered car. It’s made that way to be inaccessible to street racers. It’s a nice walk and the views are great. It’s got a big plaza and there are always a bunch of kids riding bikes around. Great place to learn to ride a bike or skateboard.

    • Eeee January 19, 2024 (7:28 pm)

      This is literally my kids favorite park! It has views of the port, downtown, ferries, beach access, multiple bridges to cross. Super cool little hidden park! Speed bumps never bothered me! 5 stars! Can’t wait for the new pier to be done to enjoy another vantage point!

    • Kersti Muul January 20, 2024 (8:41 am)

      This park has extremely diverse species of birds and plants and is full of wildlife, including several species of marine mammals . It’s also herbicide and pesticide free. Shout out to  Scott Veysey for making it that way (crew chief of the landscapers for Port of Seattle (Marine Maintenance) -:we need more Scotts in parks. 

  • Clinker January 19, 2024 (3:24 pm)

    So many great memories here learning skating and teaching the kids to ride bikes. Our small kids were more comfortable too because the small protected beach has way less wave action.

  • N January 19, 2024 (3:24 pm)

    Sad to lose this for what looks like 5+ years.  

  • PB January 19, 2024 (3:57 pm)

    It’s a great linear park with a great view!  I wish the Port’s groundskeeper here ran the parks department

    • Mike January 20, 2024 (6:19 pm)

      I agree! This group really knows how to maintain a park.

  • Also John January 19, 2024 (4:05 pm)

    I remember throwing my vote as a ‘remove it’..    That old pier is not worth the expense to replace.   The newer cantilever lookout is spectacular.    Removing the creosote piles would be a plus.

  • Ellen January 19, 2024 (9:28 pm)

    6 million dollars? That is ludicrous. How about just remove it and leave the rest of the interesting park the way it is?! 

  • JB January 19, 2024 (10:44 pm)

    Came for the mention of Jack Block, my favorite park in the city. Stayed for the morons complaining about something they have no stake in. Hilarious. ‘The speed bumps hurt my feelings.’

  • Rosemary January 20, 2024 (10:47 am)

    Love bringing out-of-town guests to Jack Block Park for a unique view of downtown and beyond with a 360 degree view, along with all of the bird life and marine animal sightings.

  • Peace maker January 21, 2024 (9:33 pm)

    Wood is too expensive.. put the money into improving public safety 

  • Mary January 23, 2024 (11:53 pm)

    Jack Block Park….The old city garbage dump! It’s probably sinking!

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