Waterfront improvements coming along

The improvements at Silverdale Waterfront are well under way and as soon as the last of the permits are acquired, the amenities will be more user-friendly than ever.

Work on the new restroom near the boat launch is about 75 percent done as construction crews finish the electrical, plumbing and landscaping. After completing the restroom, crews plan to start constructing an observation deck.

In addition, a new kiosk will display maps and area information for boaters and park visitors. The 12 new parking spaces added in the boat launch area will help to alleviate parking problems when there is a high volume of boaters using the boat launch.

Starting next month, the county will be adding 108 feet of head-in parking on Washington Avenue which also will help to alleviate parking problems along Byron Street.

The Port of Silverdale has plans to replace the current restroom in the park near the pier, but is still waiting for permits to go through.

“We’re working with the county to develop the new restrooms,” said port attorney Phil Best. “We’re ready to get under way just as soon as we get the permits.”

The new and improved bathroom will include self-flushing toilets, showers and a laundry facility. Dredging of the boat ramp also is planned, but due to environmental factors it can only be done between July 15 and Aug. 31.

“We’ll try to get (the work) done before Whaling Days, but that will depend on the schedule of the contractor,” Best said.

Work also is scheduled to be done on the berm that neighbors the restroom. Due to security reasons, part of the berm will be removed, about 89 cubic yards of it, according to Best.

“It’s already beginning to be a better park,” Best said. “It will be more pleasant to look at, the parking will be improved and the new facilities will be available to the public.”

Port officials hope to have all the improvements completed in time for Whaling Days.

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