The Bellevue City Council on April 7 approved a $1.6-million contract for architectural design and engineering for the Meydenbauer Bay Park project’s first phase of construction, along with an application for $2 million in state grants for its development and the Downtown Park Inspiration Playground.

Phase One for the ambitious Meydenbauer Bay Park project is set to start in 2017 starting west of 99th Avenue Southeast and past what is now Meydenbauer Beach Park. Anchor QEA, LLC will be the design team to realize the vision for the park laid out in the adopted master plan. The park will include a shoreline promenade, relocated swim beach, curved pedestrian pier, a plaza and playground. Pedestrian improvements are expected to be made at Lake Washington Boulevard and 99th Avenue Northeast. QEA has completed 18 waterfront projects on Lake Washington.

The city also continues to work toward acquiring and demolishing properties within the park area, including four homes slated to be torn down on Lake Washington Boulevard this summer.

The council included $9 million in its 2013-19 capital improvement plan, and has received a $3 million state department of commerce grant for Phase One of the project, less $50,000 for administrative costs. For the $2 million in grant funding the city is requesting from the state recreation and conservation office, $1 million each could be apportioned to the Meydenbauer Bay Park and Inspiration Playground with the city providing matching funds.

Funded through a 2008 parks and natural areas levy, the Downtown Park is in design to lose its Pac-Man image and add a playground for which the Bellevue Rotary Club has committed to raising $3.5 million in construction. Phase One construction for the Inspiration Playground is contingent on the Rotary raising $1.4 million. It has raised about $800,000 to date. Under an memorandum of understanding with the Rotary, the city will provide design, soft costs and maintenance of the park.