City of Hoquiam calling for bids to convert scenic viewpoint into park

By Dan Hammock • January 18, 2021 3:30 pm

The City of Hoquiam plans to make a formal call for bids this winter to construct a new waterfront park and scenic view point on a vacant piece of city property on Grays Harbor at the intersection of Adams and the 5th Street Extension.

The small patch of land has a sweeping view of the inner bay and has been a longtime favorite spot for people to just park and look at the bay, but there’s no parking and navigating the potholes is is no small thing.

Funding for this project includes a $156,500 grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, $30,000 from the Grays Harbor Community Foundation and a donation from the Hoquiam Lion’s Club. The total cost is estimated at $313,000 and the city is still hoping to receive additional private funding.

Individuals or businesses who would like to make a financial contribution to this project are encouraged to contact City Administrator Brian Shay at bshay@cityofhoquiam.com or 360-538-3983.

The project includes construction of a new paved parking area for waterfront viewing, access to the waterfront beach, landscaping, utility improvements and site preparations for a future picnic area, restroom and observation tower should additional funding become available.

“I am thrilled to see this project nearing construction,” said Mayor Ben Winkelman. ”The city has been committed to fulfilling the goal of expanding public recreational use along the waterfront as identified in our comprehensive plans.”

In the last five years, Winkelman said the city has completed the Levee Street Boat Launch and Marina, Moon Island Road Beach Clean Up Project, “and now are on the verge of opening one of the best scenic viewpoints in Grays Harbor County where citizens can view the Grays Harbor Bay, wildlife, recreational boaters and the maritime ships that call on the Port of Grays Harbor.”

The city expects to have the project complete and open to the public this summer. More information on the project can be found at cityofhoquiam.com/waterfront-park-project/.