Tramp Harbor Dock

In partnership with the Vashon Park District, the Vashon Parks Foundation is fundraising to replace the Tramp Harbor Dock. The dock is a tremendously valued asset and meaningful to the community in a multitude of ways.  It is Vashon’s only deep-water pier and a one-of-a-kind recreational attraction.  The dock has been adored by a diversity of users including families, birders, fishers, squidders, photographers, divers, walkers and marine life lovers of all kinds. The community has identified the dock as a priority for the Park District’s last three community surveys (2015-2023).

The dock was closed in 2019 due to structural deterioration and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lease requirements. It has been sorely missed.  The Park District evaluated options to remove, rebuild, or replace the dock, and, after much research, in 2023 the Park District Board voted to replace it.

A new design was completed and engineered to meet regulatory requirements.  The permitting process is well underway. 

The rebuild cost for the dock is currently $3.2 million. As planned, the Park District applied for two Washington Recreational and Conservation Office grants in the Spring of 2024 which would have provided a large majority of the funds for the rebuild. These grants, with an additional King County grant, were projected to cover all but $500,000 of the total cost.  The remaining cost was to be covered within the Park District’s budget ($200,000) and community donations ($300,000). 

Unfortunately, the Park District recently received news that one of the grant requests ($1.6 million) will not be funded as hoped. This leaves a substantial funding shortfall if sticking to the original timeline for completion by 2027. The outcome of an application to a King County grant ($620,000) will be determined in early June 2025. VPD will adjust the stages and timelines of the project in the coming months.

The Park District is still strongly committed to replacing the dock in some form and is investigating the best strategy moving forward.  Considerations for the Park District include State grant reapplication in 2026 with the current dock design, with a revised timeline or a new design to accommodate reduced funding.

Regardless of the Park District’s revised plan for the Tramp Harbor Dock, community contributions will be necessary.  The Vashon Park Foundation continues to seek  donations from the community with a goal of $300,000. We will keep updates on our website and communicate new plans for the Tramp Harbor Dock when the Park District has come to a decision.  

With your help, the Tramp Harbor Dock can be a truly accessible, one-of-a-kind gem once more. Being surrounded by water is our collective identity.  The Tramp Harbor Dock is our unique and treasured extension into our marine environment.  Please donate now!