The Friends of the Des Moines Marina Steps is an emerging community-led initiative in Des Moines, Washington, created to support the city’s forthcoming Marina Steps project — a new waterfront public space scheduled to open in Summer 2026.

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While the Steps construction has yet to begin, the Friends group is forming in advance to cultivate community pride, volunteerism, and stewardship from the very beginning. The group’s vision is to “begin with the end in mind” — laying the social and civic foundation now for what will become a vibrant, well-loved public destination in the years ahead.

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Purpose and Vision

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The Friends of the Marina Steps aims to:

• Build community excitement and ownership before the Steps open.

• Foster a culture of volunteerism and shared stewardship.

• Coordinate future events, gatherings, and beautification efforts that activate the space year-round.

• Partner with local organizations and businesses to ensure the Steps drive economic vitality and connection along the waterfront.

By organizing early, the Friends group is shifting the community narrative from “waiting for something to open” to “building something together.”

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Community-Led Approach

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The group’s formation represents a new model of civic engagement in Des Moines — one in which residents take initiative to plan for long-term success before a public space is even complete.

Friends of the Des Moines Marina Steps is currently recruiting founding volunteers, cultivating partnerships, and defining a vision for programming, maintenance, and activation that will complement the city’s efforts once the Steps open. This proactive approach ensures the space will not simply be built — it will be embraced.

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Innovation and Future Impact​

The Friends model is designed to demonstrate how small cities can activate large projects through community leadership and collaboration.

 

By the time the Marina Steps open, the group plans to have:​

• Dozens of engaged volunteers and supporters.

• A clear framework for stewardship and events.

• Sponsorship opportunities for beautification, flower pots, and community celebrations.

• A sustainable structure that aligns residents, local businesses, and civic partners in support of a shared public asset.

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The long-term goal is to help the Marina Steps become the heart of the Des Moines waterfront — a place where people gather, businesses thrive, and civic pride flourishes.

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Conclusion

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Friends of the Des Moines Marina Steps represents a forward-thinking, people-powered approach to placemaking. Though the park itself is still being built, the community’s commitment to begin with the end in mind is already underway — changing the narrative, inspiring involvement, and ensuring that when the Steps open, they open with a community ready to celebrate, sustain, and steward them for generations to come.