Meydenbauer Bay Park | Belleville

Meydenbauer Bay Park is a flagship waterfront park in Bellevue, Washington, located just a short walk from the downtown core. It is celebrated for its elegant design, lake access, and well-integrated public amenities, offering a seamless blend of urban green space and shoreline recreation. The park fronts Lake Washington on the eastern shore, and has undergone a significant transformation over the last decade into a regional destination for relaxation, family outings, and water activities.

Historical Context

Meydenbauer Bay has deep historical roots. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was the site of a major ferry landing that connected Bellevue with Seattle before the Lake Washington floating bridges existed. The area was later known for a popular local amusement spot called Wildwood Park, which hosted dances and events in a lakeside pavilion.

The land officially became Bellevue’s first park in 1953, but for decades, it remained underdeveloped, with limited shoreline access and few recreational facilities. A visionary master plan was approved in the early 2010s to reconnect downtown Bellevue to the lake and restore the bay’s natural beauty. The major redevelopment, completed in March 2019, expanded the park from about 2.5 acres to over 10 acres.

Park Layout and Design

Meydenbauer Bay Park was designed with a terraced, multi-elevation layout that maximizes the natural slope of the site while creating accessible paths and visual openness. The architectural design features smooth concrete walkways, modern wooden structures, sustainable landscaping with native plants, and wide sightlines to the lake.

Key Features

1. Pedestrian Pier

A 420-foot curved pier arcs gently into the bay, offering spectacular panoramic views of Lake Washington, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and even Seattle’s skyline on clear days.

The pier has ample seating, a sundial feature, and functions as a walking loop.

A swim platform floats offshore within the designated swimming area and is accessible to swimmers during the summer.

2. Sandy Swimming Beach

The shoreline was regraded and expanded into a soft, sandy beach ideal for families.

Lifeguards are on duty from mid-June through Labor Day, and the area is roped off for safety.

The water is generally calm and shallow near the beach, making it popular with young children.

3. Natural Playground

The children’s playground blends seamlessly into the natural hillside.

It incorporates boulders, driftwood, logs, climbing features, and earth-toned play structures to encourage nature-based play.

The area is terraced with seating walls and shaded by surrounding trees, making it a pleasant spot for caregivers.

4. Walking Paths and Viewpoints

Paved and unpaved trails wind through the park’s wooded hillsides and open lawns.

Terraced view decks offer peaceful spots to sit and admire the lake or watch boats at the marina.

Accessibility is prioritized through gentle slopes, handrails, and benches at regular intervals.

5. REI Boathouse & Non-Motorized Water Access

A seasonal boathouse operated by REI provides rentals for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).

The launch is designed for non-motorized boats, allowing smooth entry into the lake.

Watercraft rentals are typically available Thursday through Sunday from spring through late September.

6. Beach House Facilities

The beach house, located beneath the pier, includes:

Restrooms

Changing rooms

Showers

Drinking fountains and ADA access points

Designed with cedar wood and natural stone, the structure blends into the environment while providing essential amenities.

7. Bellevue Marina Access

Adjacent to the park is Bellevue Marina, offering:

Moorage for both permanent and visitor boats

ADA-accessible piers and dock facilities

A promenade that connects the marina to the park’s walking loop

Visitor moorage is available on a first-come, first-served basis, typically limited to short stays (e.g., 4 hours).

Visitor Amenities

Tips for Visitors

Early Arrival Recommended: Summer weekends draw heavy crowds; arrive before mid-morning for best parking and space on the beach.

Footwear: The lake bottom includes small pebbles; water shoes are helpful, especially for young children.

Shade: The beach has limited shade-consider bringing umbrellas or pop-up canopies.

Photography & Sunsets: Late afternoon lighting makes the pier a prime spot for photos; sunsets over the lake are especially picturesque.

Walkability: The park is connected to downtown Bellevue via pedestrian-friendly routes, making it easy to combine with dining or shopping.

Future Developments (Phase II)

Bellevue’s long-term waterfront vision includes:

Further development of a continuous pedestrian promenade from Meydenbauer Bay Park to Old Bellevue and Main Street.

Expanded public access to the marina and new public plaza areas.

Upgraded lighting, stormwater systems, and improved ecological landscaping.

These expansions aim to complete a full civic and recreational corridor, creating a world-class waterfront district.

Conclusion

Meydenbauer Bay Park is a thoughtful fusion of landscape architecture, environmental restoration, and recreational functionality. It offers one of the few urban beach experiences in the greater Seattle area, complemented by clean facilities, accessible design, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're looking for an afternoon swim, a quiet paddle, a scenic walk, or a relaxing place to picnic, this park delivers a refined yet welcoming lakeside experience.