A small group called the Committee to Free Lake Burien would like to have a public park on the lake, and they see the recent Burien Planning Commission decision to recommend Ruth Dykeman Children's Center's rezone request as their opportunity to realize their dream.

Ruth Dykeman Children's Center made the request earlier in the year to rezone approximately an acre of their property bordering the lake from Special Planning 2 to moderate density single family (RS 7200).

The RS 7200 zoning would allow for a public park, said David Johanson, senior planner for Burien. It also allows for single-family homes

This was done as part of the children center's master plan. Center President Tom Rembiesa said they wanted the option to sell the land as a way to fund the center, if and when that became necessary.

A park is unlikely to happen without a fight, as center officials have said public access to the lake would interfere with the privacy of the children living there.

Center president Tom Rembiesa said if Burien asked to buy the land, they would not sell it to them.

The spokesman for Committee to Free Lake Burien, Lee Moyer, said this is a tremendous and rare opportunity to create a park on the lake.

"Imagine being able to walk to a lakeside park from Burien Town Square," Moyer said. "This will enhance the quality of life and property values for all citizens in the area."

Moyer said matching funds from King County would pay for half of it.

"There doesn't seem to be any reason not to do it, frankly," said Moyer.

Emelie McNett, another member of the committee, said she feels a public park would give the community a sense of ownership of the lake.

"While some would argue that access to Lake Burien's waterfront opens it up to increased environmental impact, a small waterfront park will sustain and inspire generations," McNett said.

Lake Burien resident and Lake Steward Don Warren said making a public park wouldn't just open it up to a couple of people from Burien, but to the entire world.

"They have no interest in large part for seeing what Lake Burien is like and how to maintain its special environment," Warren said. "They just want to go out there and have a good time."

Warren said the people on the lake pay dearly to live on a lake with no access.

"We all bought property on the lake because there is no public access," Warren said. "We have all committed ourselves to vigorous and wholehearted support of keeping it that way."

Warren said he does not see a public park in Lake Burien's future, as it is not in the Lake Shore Club's interests and it is not in the center's interests.