At its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13, the Bellevue City Council was presented with an update on the next phase of the Meydenbauer Bay Park expansion. City staff shared new details on the Meydenbauer Gateway and Promenade expansion, a project designed to strengthen pedestrian connections between downtown Bellevue and the waterfront.
This proposed expansion builds on the city’s long-term master plan for the park, originally adopted in 2010. As envisioned, the gateway will serve as the western anchor of the Grand Connection and feature a new public plaza at Main Street. An accessible walkway is also planned, guiding pedestrians from the street level down toward the beach.
Design concepts for this phase have been shaped by community input gathered through meetings and surveys over the past two years. The current plan also outlines improvements at the intersection of Main Street, 100th Avenue Northeast, and Lake Washington Boulevard to make the area easier and safer to navigate for people walking and biking.
A prominent art installation may also be included at the gateway, though details have not yet been finalized.
Councilmembers asked staff to return with more information before moving forward. Once approved, the project would enter the engineering and permitting stage. Construction is expected to begin in 2029.
This second phase follows the park’s first major redevelopment, completed in 2019, which added a curved pedestrian pier, expanded beach, children’s play area, and launch facilities for kayaks and paddleboards. Since then, Meydenbauer Bay Park has become a popular destination for its views, access to the water, and open space.
Public engagement has been a key component of the planning process. In November 2024, the city’s Parks & Community Services Department hosted a webinar to share early design proposals. Community members had the opportunity to see how public feedback was being incorporated and ask questions of the design team.
Survey responses and community feedback consistently pointed to the need for improved amenities, increased parking, and better pedestrian and shoreline access. In response, the updated plans include more greenery, additional seating, flexible covered spaces, and expanded pathways leading to the water.
The city has not yet confirmed a final timeline or project budget.
