This story appeared in the Winter 2015 edition of Our Big Backyard, a quarterly magazine about parks and nature. Read more stories, plan an outing with a field guide, and find out more about fun nature events and classes.
Improvements are underway this winter and spring on a new entryway and restrooms at Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview.
The entryway project will modify the vehicle entrance to the popular park. Wider lanes and three new entry booths will replace the two existing booths, allowing visitors to enter the park faster. Construction is scheduled to be complete before the summer busy season.
Other improvements include replacing four restroom buildings and upgrading the park office and maintenance facilities. The new buildings will be energy efficient, and the restrooms will include family accessible, gender-neutral, single-occupancy spaces.
The park will remain open and restrooms will be available throughout all of the work.
Restoration work will occur on the Blue Lake Wetland Trail with new boardwalks to enhance wetland habitat and visitor experiences.
Money for the projects comes from the parks and natural areas levy that voters approved in 2013.