Vashon Park District’s board of commissioners will discuss the Tramp Harbor dock’s poor condition and may decide whether to close the dock at its meeting next Tuesday.

At the meeting, the board will also take public comments on closing the popular fishing pier.

“We are encouraging the public to attend if people have strong feelings about it either way,” said park district Director Elaine Ott.

The park district, which manages the 80-year-old dock, is considering closing the dock after a recent study found it may be unsafe. About 10 percent of the dock’s pilings are in poor condition and at risk of failing, and a failure of one piling could result in a 20-foot section of pier falling into the water. The engineering company that did the study estimated that replacing the piers would cost about $300,000.

Last week the park district placed warning signs at the dock. Ott said she is considering closing the dock altogether but is waiting for an opinion from the district’s attorney and for the district’s board to discuss the issue further. She added that the district may consider other options, such as closing the dock only during high winds.

Ott noted that she hopes to hear public sentiment at next meeting, but will also weigh it against the need for public safety and the opinion of the district’s attorney.

“Ultimately, public safety will be our overriding consideration,” she said.

The district will likely hold off on discussing any dock repairs until it is able to learn more about the dock’s lease, which is currently up for renewal. The state Department of Natural Resources has asked that as part of the lease renewal the creosote-treated dock eventually be rebuilt to meet current environmental code. A rebuild has been estimated to cost $1 million to $2 million, and Ott hopes to meet with state and county officials in the coming weeks to negotiate the terms of the lease.

The park district meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Ober Park.