Washington State Parks has put forward four proposals for the future of Blake Island Marine State Park. Boaters and other interested parties are encouraged to read the proposals and indicate their preference using an online survey. Your vote will influence the direction taken by Washington Parks regarding access to the island and future amenities.
Currently, Blake Island is a recreational boat-in-only facility with moorage docks and electrical service for overnight stays and mooring buoys for boats 45 feet and under; moorage is first-come, first-served with payment kiosks on the island, and a phone-in option for buoy payment. Hiking trails, sandy beaches, picnic tables, two picnic shelters, and barbecue braziers continue to be a popular draw for visitors. There are 44 camp sites that can be reserved from May 15 to September 15, and a small snack/souvenir store at the Ranger Office.
Aging Infrastructure. The marina docks are in need of upgrading and the moorage basin needs dredging for continued use. Buildings on the island are deteriorating, including staff housing and the Tillicum Village replica longhouse, once used by a commercial concessionaire for seasonal dinner/show events, with transportation to the island.
Park Proposals. There are currently four proposed alternatives for the Park’s Master Planning, though the final recommendation may mix pieces of two or more of the proposals. Some of these proposals include drastic changes so input from the public is vitally important. The alternatives include.
Alternative 1 – dredging is not completed and the marina is removed; shoreline restored to natural state; construction of boat launch for hand-launched craft; ADA accessible pathways created; half the campsites on Eastern campground decommissioned; remaining campsites improved; Tillicum Village building demolished; water, electric, and sewer re-sized; construction of park office with expanded park store; construction of updated comfort station and construction of staff housing; installation of 10 additional mooring buoys (5 each side).
Alternative 2 – marina would be upgraded and dredged; commercial moorage for State Parks and a commercial moorage spot; two docks reserved for loading and unloading before becoming overnight moorage; utilities upgraded; Tillicum Village buildings demolished; construction of park office; construction of comfort station and staff housing for five park aides; ADA accessible pathways; 5 additional mooring buoys on West side.
Alternative 3 – marina updated and dredged; commercial transportation to the island provided by a concessionaire, who enters a lease agreement and responsible for improvements to existing buildings, or demolition and construction of facilities within the lease area; construction of park office and expanded park store; construction of comfort station and staff housing for five park aides; ADA accessible pathways.
Alternative 4 – marina is updated and dredged; a concession provides transportation via boat from Bremerton and Seattle; Tillicum Village buildings demolished; a new 5,000 square-foot two-story lodge built to include accommodations and rentable space (possible restaurant, café, kayak rental); park office and welcome center integrated in the lodge; 5 deluxe cabins constructed as rentable overnight accommodations; 5 cabins constructed adjacent to the Eastern Campground; utilities upgraded; construction of comfort station and staff housing for five park aides; ADA accessible pathways.
To read more details regarding these options, including the pros and cons for each, and to submit your vote via survey, please click HERE.
The planning process will be completed in four phases; the process is currently in phase two. Public presentations are being held and there will be significant community participation leading up to the final recommendations. A recent community meeting was held on February 25 at the Port Orchard Branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. A video recording of the presentation will be made available online HERE.
Please provide your input by filling out the survey mentioned above to express your preference regarding the four options; you can also provide comments using the Parks Comment Form HERE.
Photo: Courtesy WA Parks
Alternative Plan Images: WA Parks
