NWMC Shoreline Access Improvements

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Category Overview

Washington is famous for its gorgeous and abundant waterways, from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River, but many communities lack open public beaches and waterfronts where everyone can enjoy picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and angling. Water Access projects fund public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to create more opportunities for water recreation.

Project Highlights

This project will develop access to Port Townsend Bay on a parcel acquired with previous WWRP grant funding. The two-acre site, purchased in 2000, fronts a popular, heavily trafficked, but underutilized downtown beach in the heart of Port Townsend’s National Landmark Historic District. The beach is adjacent to the site of the future Northwest Maritime Center. Water access will be substantially improved through construction of 1) a 14-ft wide public boardwalk along the beach; 2) a hand boat launch and pedestrian ADA ramp to the beach; 3) sitting and walking steps to the beach; 4) a kayak and small-boat staging platform; and 5) beach ecological improvements. Paved areas connecting Water Street to the public boardwalk will facilitate use of and access to a 20,000-sq-ft outdoor commons area, a public dock including kayak/dinghy floats, and the Port of Port Townsend’s jetty walkway facility.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Port Townsend City of Category: Water Access WWRP Grant: $154,495.00 Applicant Match: $154,495.00 Project Type: Development County: Jefferson Legislative District: 24 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 02-1312

Location Details

Follow I-5 North 25.4 miles. Merge onto WA-16 West and follow for 26.7 miles. WA-16 West becomes WA-3 North (2503 miles). Exit left onto WA-104 for 6.7 miles, then turn right onto WA-19 and follow for 14.2 miles. WA-19 makes a slight right turn into WA-20 (1.9 miles). WA-20 then becomes Sims Way/WA-20 (for 2.3 miles), which then becomes Water Street/WA-20. Follow Water Street approximately 0.8 miles through downtown Port Townsend. The Northwest Maritime Center property is on the right hand side, at the corner of Water and Monroe Streets, adjacent to the Point Hudson Marina.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.