Sausalito’s City Council just greenlit a one-year pilot to test a modular floating dock on Turney Street. If it works out, there’s a shot at a longer lease.
The plan would replace the worn-out bulkhead and sunken dock. It’s supposed to open up public access, protect eelgrass, and maybe even draw more folks to Marin County’s waterfront.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
Honestly, the pilot feels like the centerpiece of Sausalito’s push to modernize the harbor. There’s a sense that if it works, other towns—Tiburon, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Larkspur—might take notice.
What the pilot hopes to achieve in Sausalito and beyond
Turney Street’s only public boat ramp and dock have sat in disrepair for twenty years. City leaders see this trial as a chance to try out a modular dock system that can change as people use it.
It’s a blank slate right now. That makes it perfect for experimenting with new waterfront ideas that might catch on in places like Belvedere or San Rafael.
Evaluating proposals and choosing a path forward
Staff dug into the proposals, looking at which one would best help Sausalito’s waterfront and keep those fragile eelgrass habitats safe. They also thought about how a new dock could get more people onto the water and maybe even give local businesses a boost.
Two proposals on the table
Two ideas made it to the final round: a modular floating dock and a public-art installation. Staff leaned toward the modular dock and sent it to the Parks and Recreation Commission for another look.
The art idea, by Jay Brockman, features tide-emerging wildlife sculptures. It’s also up for review through Marin’s public-art process.
Modular floating dock
The modular floating dock would use the existing piles and get rid of the old, crumbling stuff. It can change shape as people figure out how they want to use it.
They’re talking about all sorts of uses—public landings, dinghy tie-ups, short-term boat parking, rentals, water taxis, charter staging, maybe even food delivery by boat. The design is all about flexibility and keeping the impact on eelgrass low.
Art installation proposal
Jay Brockman’s art project brings a different vibe, with sculptures that appear as the tide shifts. Staff still recommend the dock, but they’ve sent the art idea to the Parks and Recreation Commission to see if it fits with the city’s look and goals.
Impacts on Marin County’s economy and environment
For towns like Sausalito, Tiburon, and Mill Valley, this isn’t just about swapping out a dock. It’s a sign that they’re serious about sustainable waterfront development—and maybe sparking more business along Bridgeway or Larkspur’s shopping strips.
If things go well, the dock could bring in money from landing fees, rentals, and services like water taxis. That could pull in day-trippers from San Francisco, the East Bay, San Rafael, and Novato.
Environmental care is front and center. Supporters keep pointing to eelgrass protection and making sure new access points don’t mess up sensitive spots around the harbor.
This project could show other Marin towns how to balance business and nature, kind of like what Corte Madera’s doing for shoreline resilience or Mill Valley’s explorers mapping out marsh access.
What comes next for Sausalito and Marin County
During the discussion, councilmembers pointed out that the developers still don’t have secured grant funding or donations. To keep things moving, staff will draft contracts with the chosen partners.
The art proposal will go through the Parks and Recreation Commission’s updated public-art process. If the pilot works, Sausalito might pursue a 10-year lease and expand opportunities for public landings and docking services.
This could help grow a broader waterfront economy that connects with nearby towns like Belvedere, San Anselmo, and Fairfax.
Here is the source article for this story: Sausalito selects pilot project for docking area
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
