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Blake Island Future: Nature, Resort, or Both?
11 Jul
Summary
- Blake Island park visitation dropped significantly after 2021.
- Four management options are being considered for the park's future.
- Public input on Blake Island's redevelopment has been extensive.
Blake Island Marine State Park, located near Seattle, faces an uncertain future after a significant drop in visitation following the 2021 cessation of tour boat and dinner theater operations. Washington State Parks is actively seeking a new vision for the island, which is a natural oasis and the reputed birthplace of Chief Seattle.
Four management and redevelopment options are currently under review. These range from allowing the 472-acre island to revert to nature, preserving its existing marina for boaters, reviving cultural programming like the former Tillicum Village, to developing a lodge and cabins for increased accessibility and revenue.
Public engagement has been unusually high, with around 5,000 comments submitted. The "Rustic Retreat" option, favoring marina improvements, was the most popular. However, funding for a marina renovation is estimated at $30 million, presenting a significant challenge. State parks planners aim to release a preferred alternative by late August or September, with a final master plan anticipated by year-end.
