Construction Updates and Timelines
There are three projects planned for 2024 – 2025 – 2026 that tie together:
- Lakewalk project: Endion Station to Fitger’s and 21st Ave to 26th Ave
- Kitchi Gammi Park (Brighton Beach) project
- Harbor Plaza/Baywalk/Seawall project
Material and labor costs have increased greatly. These three projects were planned to start in 2022 but have been delayed into 2023 and 2024. Completion may continue into 2025 or 2026. State bonding money, cruise ship port access support, FEMA funds, and city finances will be used. Donations, grants, and funding opportunities continue to be sought by the city and Friends of the Lakewalk for capital improvements.
Friends of the Lakewalk Board of Directors and our members, along with the public and other stakeholders, have provided input to analyze existing conditions, identified problem areas, and contributed ideas of needed park elements.
Lakewalk Construction Update Presentation Summary
From Friends of the Lakewalk Annual Meeting 11/02/2023
Presented by Cliff Knettel, Senior Parks Planner and Matt Andrews, Trails Coordinator
Cliff and Matt reported that the Brighton Beach project is wrapping up for this year. The last of the concrete was poured 11/01/2023. Most of the site restoration has been completed. The grinding of the mortar for the stone fireplace building is done and the hearth is to be built next year as well as the new metal roof. Next year a new swing set structure and a new playscape will be placed. Memorial benches are being refurbished and will be returned to Brighton Beach next year. Two vault toilets are set in place. Grills have been installed at picnic table slabs. Natural rock stairs have been installed to access the shoreline.
The Brighton Beach Road project should be completed by the summer of 2024. Surveyor stakes are in place marking where the new road placement will be. Parking along the new road will be of the parallel type. Some trees have already been removed in preparation of creating a new roadway. Excavation will require more trees and plants be removed, many of which are non-native to this area. The road placement will not affect the white pine plantings. Apple trees have been fenced. Workers have been pulling out invasive plants.
A federal grant was received to create accommodations around Harbor Plaza and the Baywalk. These areas will be more inviting for those who visit and/or walk around the area. This project will create and define a new harbor plaza area by reimagining the use and function of the waterfront and Harbor Drive between the Minnesota Slip Bridge and Bayfront Festival Park. Design concepts include accommodations for the Great Lakes cruise ship industry, more intentional resting spaces, and improved walking and gathering areas. Hopefully, the grand opening will be later next year. Harbor Plaza/Baywalk/Seawall link is here.
The flood and storm surge project is wrapping up along the Lakewalk. Just like the Brighton Beach Lakewalk area, this is a living beach. Thus far the reconstruction has held up well against storms. Some adjustments were made this fall at the corner of the lake beach area, along with installing natural rock stairs to better access the shoreline.
The US DOT RAISE Grant was awarded, and the pre-contract work is underway; $8 million from federal dollars and $2 million from City funds. The Lakewalk will be widened from the curve at the corner of the lake beach area to the memorial area. This to alleviate bottlenecks. Also, this section of the Lakewalk will be adjusted in elevation to make it all one level.
ADA re-routes will be created for safety as well as accommodations for everyone who uses the Lakewalk. The Lakewalk will be rerouted to eliminate the steep grade at Leif Erickson Park. No specific date for the Lakewalk ADA modification work at 23rd Ave was indicated by the City. The funds for the Lakewalk modifications are committed, but the City must complete the various designs, associated paperwork, environmental studies/historical reviews, etc. for all Lakewalk work before the funds are released, i.e., the funds won’t be released piecemeal. Cliff said “papering up the projects” could take a year or possibly multiple years depending on what issues may arise. Cliff stated late next year is possible, but it could easily be pushed back. Cliff indicated the design planning for the 23rd Ave ADA modifications is 50% complete. A FotL member reminded Cliff that the city needs to provide the final design to the Ledges before they begin work.
The city will participate in the roundabout project at 26th Ave E and London Road. Cliff mentioned the MN DOT wants to do some pedestrian/bike connecting hubs there.
The Minnesota Historic Society grant for interpretation is pending. If granted, the funds will be used for interpretive signs around the Baywalk area and beyond 26th Ave E, possibly to Brighton Beach. There will be eleven pause areas along the Lakewalk. The Lakewalk Interpretative Plan link was approved by Duluth City Council on 06/26/2023.