Building the Heart of the Waterfront: Friends of the Des Moines Marina Steps Take the First Leap

In Des Moines, Washington, a new chapter of waterfront revitalization is taking shape — not yet in steel or stone, but in spirit. Long before the first shovel hits the ground, a group of residents has already begun laying the foundation for what they hope will become the city’s next great gathering place: the Des Moines Marina Steps.

Slated to open in the summer of 2026, the Marina Steps will transform the city’s waterfront into a vibrant public promenade — a place where people can walk, dine, gather for concerts, and connect with the Puget Sound in an entirely new way. But while the physical project is still on the horizon, the social infrastructure is already under construction, thanks to a passionate new community initiative: Friends of the Des Moines Marina Steps.

A Movement that Begins with the End in Mind

Rather than waiting for the city’s project to be completed, the Friends group is stepping forward early to build excitement, ownership, and volunteerism from day one. Their guiding principle is simple yet profound: begin with the end in mind.

The Friends’ mission is to transform anticipation into action — fostering a sense of shared stewardship for what will soon become a major civic landmark. Their early efforts are focused on cultivating community pride, recruiting founding volunteers, and partnering with local businesses and organizations to ensure that when the Steps open, they do so into the arms of an engaged, ready community.

“This is about creating a place that belongs to everyone,” says one of the founding members. “If we build the community first, the Steps will naturally become the heart of Des Moines.”

A New Model of Civic Engagement

The formation of the Friends group represents something larger than just one park — it’s a model for how small cities can activate big projects through community leadership. By organizing before construction even begins, the Friends are changing the civic narrative from “waiting for something to open” to “building something together.”

Their goals include:

• Building community excitement and ownership before the Steps open.

• Fostering a culture of volunteerism and shared stewardship.

• Coordinating events, beautification efforts, and year-round activities.

• Partnering with local businesses to drive waterfront vitality and connection.

This proactive model ensures the Marina Steps will not only be built — they’ll be embraced.

Looking Ahead: From Vision to Vibrancy

By the time the Steps officially open in 2026, the Friends group envisions a well-organized, community-driven framework in place — complete with a calendar of events, a volunteer corps, sponsorship opportunities for beautification, and partnerships that sustain ongoing waterfront programming.

If successful, their approach could serve as a blueprint for other Puget Sound cities looking to blend civic infrastructure with grassroots energy and local pride.

“What makes this special isn’t just the project,” one supporter shared. “It’s the people who are already rallying behind it — proving that great public spaces start with great communities.”

Join the Movement

The Friends of the Des Moines Marina Steps invite residents, businesses, and organizations to get involved — to help shape the story of what the Marina Steps can become: a place to connect, celebrate, and belong.

Follow the Friends of the Des Moines Marina Steps on social media for updates and opportunities to join this growing community initiative.

Because in Des Moines, the waterfront’s next great destination isn’t just being built — it’s being imagined, together.

Follow the Friends of Des Moines Marina Steps on their Facebook page, or their website here!

Disclaimer: The Friends of Des Moines Marina steps and its website are a private entity and are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the City of Des Moines government, or any of its agencies, departments, or services. We are a group of friends dedicated to doing good for our town.

Photograph taken during a public City of Des Moines presentation. Used for community information and transparency.