I wonder how many members of the City Council have visited the “restored” Strawberry Cannery site? I went to see it the other day and couldn’t believe what I saw.

Heavily worm-eaten logs line the parking area. Grass on top of the old parking lot looks ready to wash away in the first heavy rain.

There is no access to the adjacent stream – previously a good launching spot for a kayak or canoe.

A path covered with heavy gravel and river rock is the only water access.

The whole site has a chopped up look with no pedestrian flow; it is not inviting to sit, walk or explore.

The only thing that wasn’t ruined is the view. At least the four new parking places face the water.

Was this really designed by a “shoreline restoration expert” at or chosen by Anchor Consulting? Anchor was involved in the restoration of Burien’s Seahurst waterfront park, which is a lovely restoration – inviting with gentle grassy slopes to the sandy beach, and a few solid weathered grey logs.

Visitors can picnic, sit, walk, toss a ball or visit the creek which is preserved as part of the open natural landscape.

This site does not resemble a park or a natural Eagle Harbor shoreline.

The result is total disregard of the natural landscape, history, or the possibility of passive recreational use.

For more than $1 million, the City Council has been hoodwinked, and so have the voters, especially the many people who advocated for a usable neighborhood waterfront park.

Kathryn Keve

Shepard Way