What improvements will be included in the project? 

Depending on available funding, the anticipated elements included in each phase of the project are: 

Phase 1

• Boat launch replacement with wider, steeper launch (elevated design allows water and sand to move underneath the launch, which is better for fish habitat and easier for launching) 
• A boarding float, pier piling, and decking replacement 
• New parking lot to better connect and separate cars and boat trailers from pedestrians 
• Central backshore berm, interim path connections, removing paving along the shoreline, planting and removing the sea wall along the central segment 

Phase 2

• Completing the parking lot 
• Renovations and moving of the existing picnic shelters + three new timber-frame picnic shelters 
• Completing the backshore berm 
• Creating a central grassy view mound 
• Playground updates 
• Renovations of the restrooms 
• A waterfront promenade path, a central plaza with hookups for food trucks, access trails to the beach, planting and removing the sea wall along the northern end 

What are the benefits of this project? 

The final park updates will function similarly to the way it does now, but with all park features brought up to the 21st century. The park will be easier to maintain, better for the environment, and constructed with long-lasting materials. 

Safer, Easier Circulation Routes 

• The new design will provide separate walking routes for pedestrians that are ADA-friendly for visitors with mobility issues, and the shoreline will be easier to access for walkers, boats, and cars. 
• The boat launch parking will have tie-down lanes and areas for prepping the boat, to reduce traffic congestion while accessing the launch or getting to the beach. 

Environmentally Designed and Longer-Lasting Infrastructure

• The renovated park will be better for the environment because the parking lot next to the shore will be replaced with an expanded beach zone and native plantings, and the runoff from all the paved areas will go through storm-water treatment. 
• The road along the shore will be replaced with a backshore berm to prepare the site for sea level rise and storm surges. Currently, storms that correspond with extreme high tides frequently push beach logs far into the site, covering the picnic shelters, parking lots, and roads with debris. In 2021 a storm also caused significant damage to the decking on the pier. The future design will protect the park infrastructure from storms of that magnitude by adding 4-5 feet of additional beach height with native habitat materials and raising all the parking and recreation elements up by a few feet. 
• We’re doing a lot of infrastructure improvements that won’t be visible to park visitors but are very important for the ongoing management of the park, such as a complete overhaul of the septic system, water piping, and electrical connections.

Added Picnic Shelters and Parking Spaces 

• There will be renovations to the existing picnic shelters and three new shelters. We are adding about 10 more parking spaces and moving all the parking to a centralized location toward the hillside and away from the beach. There will still be overflow parking located up the hill.
• There will be lots of wide-open grassy areas and easier access to the pier, boat launch, shelters, fire pits, playground, and restrooms. 

Why are you doing this renovation now? 

Kayak Point is one of our most popular, most visited parks. It was last renovated in the 1970s, which makes the infrastructure over 50 years old. Parks has gone through a multi-year process with public outreach, design, and permitting, it took almost eight years, but we’re finally ready for construction. When the park reopens, it will be positioned for many more years of enjoyment.

When will the park be open again?

The current closure of the day-use area is required for efficient and safe construction activity.  The beach area is closed until further notice for the public, although the campground is still open. If feasible, the County will construct Phase 2 improvements in 2024 and re-open the park in part, or in whole, as soon as possible.  We thank the community for your patience and support during construction closures. 

Who can I contact with questions? 

• For project planning, permitting and design questions: Carol Ohlfs
• For construction questions: Rob Marchand
• For media inquiries: Rose Intveld 

How can I stay updated on progress? 

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