The construction of stormwater improvements, new restrooms and newly-paved parking lot is continuing at Metro’s M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp, which is on schedule to re-open in June.
Funding for the project has been provided through Metro, the Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to enhance boater safety, accessibility, protect the water quality and allow for efficient fish passage at this widely-used boat ramp.
Metro construction supervisor Lydia Neill has incorporated green practices into the project. The permanent restrooms were pre-engineered and feature Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. In addition to the installation of solar panels on the restroom roof for electricity generation, all asphalt materials from the old parking lot are being recycled onsite. The existing asphalt will be ground up and used as a base material for the new parking lot. Another efficient feature in the design is the onsite stormwater treatment for all parking areas. Furthermore, provisions have been made for a future boat washing area to eliminate invasive species.
"Construction continues to stay on schedule, and we have had great weather on our side," Neill said.
A number of other features have been installed at the site in previous phases of work. Projects included construction of a new gangway, new boarding floats for transient boaters, and a wave and debris deflection system that allows for efficient fish passage.
During construction, boat launch and parking are available at Metro’s Chinook Landing Marine Park, at 22300 NE Marine Drive, across from Blue Lake Regional Park. The Gleason boat ramp is one of three public boating facilities operated by Metro.