Clark County Public Works, Parks and Lands division has recently made an announcement that carries a wave of good news for anglers with disabilities. A brand new, ADA-compliant fishing platform is slated for construction at the Haapa Boat Launch Park located in Woodland. This move marks a significant stride toward inclusivity and recreational equity. The development of the platform, which will be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, is a collaborative effort between Clark County and the energy utility company, PacifiCorp.
In an interesting cross-sector partnership, PacifiCorp is providing the full funding needed to bring this project to life. The platform has been designed with an uncompromising adherence to ADA standards, ensuring that barrier-free bank fishing access isn't merely a notion to ideally aspire to but is set to become a realized, concrete feature along the southern bank of the North Fork Lewis River. According to details provided by Clark County Public Works, construction is expected to take place over the summer, within an in-water work window mandated for a period between July 15 and August 15.
However, the path to laying down concrete is not always smooth. With construction poised to begin by the end of July, the area's parking lot and the adjacent trail leading to the existing fishing bulkheads are to be temporarily shut down. This move is a necessary inconvenience to facilitate the removal of parts of the current fishing bulkheads, making room for the new access platform. While the development might create a temporary hiccup for regular visitors, the boat launch itself, along with the restrooms, picnic areas, and the western section of the parking lot, are scheduled to remain open throughout the construction phase.
Patience will be key as the proposed platform won't be ready for recreational use until the anticipated completion date, which as of now is pegged around November 15. The actual dates, however, are a tad more malleable, subject to move based on the caprices of construction timelines. The new platform, once finished, is expected to seamlessly integrate into the county’s existing parks and lands systems, offering a longstanding asset to the community. It's a commendable endeavor, one sure to directly to benefit countless members of the fishing community for whom accessibility has long been a hinderance to fully embracing their sport.
The execution of the project—a crucial and much-anticipated infrastructure upgrade—will naturally come with disruptions. In the interim, Clark County Public Works encourages local residents and visitors to stay informed on closure updates and construction progress. Interested parties can regularly check the status of the comprehensive project online. With fishing season on the horizon, the county is casting a wide net to ensure that all anglers, irrespective of physical ability, have the chance to partake in the joys and tranquility of fishing along the serene waters of the North Fork Lewis River.
