FOLLOWUP: Why the Don Armeni dock-replacement project broke a promise

Before the long-delayed Don Armeni Boat Ramp dock-replacement project got started, Seattle Parks said repeatedly that one float would remain open throughout the work. As the photo above from Stewart L. shows, that isn’t currently the case. We asked Parks why, and when there’d be a usable dock again. Spokesperson Karen O’Connor replied, “We were working hard and had planned to keep one float open at all times during the work at Don Armeni, however, we ran into some unexpected conditions when driving the final piles for both the north and south floats. If all goes well and the weather cooperates, the project manager anticipates opening one dock/float this weekend/beginning of March.” The project is replacing the old dock structures and pilings with sturdier new ones, and increasing the “over-water coverage” by a third.

Aye Jay February 27, 2024 (12:28 pm)

Tip of the hat if they can have a float ready for this weekend. Thought it was a real inconvenience last weekend but realized how lucky I am to have a launch 10 minutes away.

wetone February 27, 2024 (12:59 pm)

Will be interesting seeing new floating dock sections installed. Looks like the new dock concrete ramp pads ( start of dock) are much higher elevation than previous but same location. Be nice to why it was designed this way ? This is going to make ramps very steep for ingress egress of floating docks except extremely high tides. Having longer dock sections would lessen angle, but not a safe design. Concrete dock ramps could have been moved a few feet up ramp and left at original elevation above ramp, resulting with a much safer design and helping during extreme tides. This ramp can get extremely mixed water (rough, wave action) from tides, winds, ship and boat wakes, should be interesting to see how this all works out. Be nice if they installed a floating breakwater…….

Dock Martin February 27, 2024 (2:12 pm)

I’d love to see them get rid of the sharp, obnoxious speed bumps in the parking lot and replace them with a few speed bumps or raised crosswalks. My empty, old boat trailer actually gets airborne at just 3 mph over those stupid things.

TM February 27, 2024 (2:39 pm)

Blackmouth season opener March 1, will be interesting down there if no dock! Regardless looking forward to the new ones soon.

Any idea of current expected completion date?

Boater February 28, 2024 (12:43 pm)

TM just gonna mess up our quota for barely legal fish anyhow unless your running way north for early bubble fish. Not only that wdfw will close it for fake encounters after a weekend. It appears that the dock will extend further now which at low tide will be a long anticipated relief.

Michael H Peters February 27, 2024 (6:21 pm)

So I am sure seattle parks went over this before signing the contract.I am sure they are aware that the ramp concrete ends with a sharp 1 feet drop off and made adjustments. I see trailers brake axles and get stuck,adding extra dock won’t help at all if this wasn’t addressed. You can’t get out at low tide cause the water is to shallow and ramp ends,but I am sure they fixed this so we can use the new extra long docks cant wait Friday is the opener blackmouth season.

Ty c February 27, 2024 (10:35 pm)

Back in 2012 me and a buddy got stuck trying to pull my boat out during low tide. We got the back wheel of the trailer stuck beyond the drop off. With a little skill and luck we were able to get the wheel to clear above the drop off. In the process it kinked my back trailer wheels fender and jammed up the tire. Wouldnt roll on the pavement. I had to get my dad, grandpa and friends dad to bring some tools down to prop the fender off the wheel in able for it to roll. I’ve avoided the launch during low tides ever since…

wetone February 28, 2024 (9:55 am)

As a long time user of this ramp I agree 100% with issues to those that don’t realize where ramp ends. Seen many trailers damaged along with tow vehicles when backing down to far at low tides. With new ramps longer than ones being replaced I sure hope those in charge have given proper thought to marking docks along with signage showing end of ramp location. As new longer docks will give a false sense that ramp extends farther than it does……