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Des Moines Beach Park to become a National Historic Landmark
Video of Des Moines Beach Park Ceremony with Governor Gregoire - April 14, 2006
Des Moines Works to Preserve Local Landmarks
The City of Des Moines has a tradition of encouraging the preservation of lands, sites and structures that have historical or archaeological significance. Nationally, preserving community historical and environmental resources has spurred economic development and downtown revitalization. Other marine oriented cities in Washington such as Port Townsend, Kirkland, Edmonds, Olympia, and Vancouver have adopted themes unique to its local culture and historical landmarks. The economic return to investments made in these communities has been multi-fold for each dollar spent.
Beach Park to be Listed as a National Landmark
Plans are underway to list the Des Moines Beach Park (currently listed on the Washington State Historical Registry) on the National Register of Historic Places, a program of the United States Department of Interior National Park Service. National Historic Site designation provides opportunities to draw increased cultural tourism to Des Moines. The achievement of National historical site status brings with it additional opportunities for national marketing of the resource and planning and restoration funding grants to preserve the culture that is distinctly Des Moines’.
For more information on the Des Moines Beach Park, please review the Des Moines Beach Park Historical Survey and Advocacy Report and the Nomination for Des Moines Beach Park to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places located on the City Web site. The City expects that the Beach Park will receive National Register of Historic Places status in 2005.
In 1988, the Des Moines Beach Park was placed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places. A Historical Study of the Des Moines Beach Park completed in 1989 envisioned the restoration and reuse of the historic buildings and the possibility of removing the non-contributing buildings located within the historic site.
Since 1989, numerous changes have occurred within the Park such as increased flooding and building deterioration. Improvements to the Marina and Des Moines Creek Trail are proposed or underway that will impact future Beach Park uses. Council’s focus on economic development in the downtown area will also contribute to the Park’s future uses.
Des Moines Beach Park- The Birthplace of Des Moines
The Beach Park formerly Covenant Beach is the birthplace of Des Moines and as such has had a rich history. In 1872, land which became the Town of Des Moines was claimed by John Moore, who homesteaded and improved 154 acres including the park and downtown. In the late 1880’s a sawmill was operated at the mouth of the Des Moines Creek at the park site. The first primitive road connecting Des Moines to Seattle (now a walking path) is located at the north edge of the park. Herman “Daddy Draper” bought the grounds in 1917 to use as a playground and beach for orphanage children. Later it became a park for private picnicking and camping. In 1931, the park was sold to the North Pacific Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. The buildings remaining at the site today were constructed by the church in the rustic camp style with strong elements of Swedish design.
Over the past decade, numerous flooding events and an earthquake occurred that have caused damaged to the Church Camp Dining Hall and the Draper–era Dining Hall and Dressing Rooms (picnic shelter and restroom buildings). Extensive foundation damage beneath the Dining Hall required its closure since November 2002.
Throughout City ownership, the buildings have been heavily booked with community recreation programs and rentals (receptions, weddings, youth meetings, recreation classes, company picnics, special events, and etc.) especially during summer months. Preservation and National Historical Register designation of these local historical icons would continue to draw tourism and an enhanced interest in our city’s core.
Fundraising and Restoration Efforts Now Underway at the Beach Park
Restoration of the Des Moines Beach Park is estimated to cost more than $2.6 Million. The Des Moines City Council made the first of many needed bold moves to fund the restoration through the City’s 2005-2010 Capital Improvement Program. Projects include: renovation of the Auditorium (built 1957), Dining Hall (built 1934), Sun Home Lodge (built 1934), Picnic Shelter (built 1920’s), Caretaker’s Cabin (built 1934) and Woodshop (built 1945).
The City will receive $230,000 funding from the National Government sponsored by Senator Patty Murray. The City is also working with the State Legislature in hopes of receiving a capital appropriation for the restoration project. Private donations are also being sought in support of the project. Tax-deductible donations of cash or in-kind support may be made specifically for the restoration project through the Des Moines Legacy Foundation.
If you would like more information regarding Des Moines Beach Park or wish to comment on Des Moines historical preservation plans, please contact Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Director Patrice Thorell at 206-870-6527.
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