We’d like to notify the community that Commission meetings will now be held on the First and Third Wednesdays of the month. Meetings will continue to be held on Zoom until further notice. Agendas will continue to be posted at the Post Office, Columbia Market, on our website and shared to Facebook.
COVID has had many impacts on our community. One of those is large numbers of people recreating in the park. By having a system that tracks vehicles on Port properties, we can get better control numbers of visitors to help prevent the spread of the virus. While residents of the Port District will not have to pay for their parked time, we expect the funds generated by others will offset the cost of the parking monitors who will routinely survey parked vehicles. While typically parks are operated by cities or Park & Rec districts, which are supported by district residents’ taxes, that is not the case for Marine Park. The irrigation, beautification, clean up, paving, equipment, such as playground and picnic benches are not currently supported by the residents of the Port district. It currently costs $540,000 annually to maintain the park. Parking fees will allow for a path towards a self-sustained operation of the park. An added benefit will be that, the Port will have staff monitoring properties after hours and on weekends and can report conditions.
The Port will be hosting two Drive-through events for residents to quickly pick up parking permits for Port-owned property. These permits are free to residents, with proof of residency and vehicle ownership. Please bring vehicle registration. Drive through pickup events will be held on October 7th and 9th from 1pm to 4pm in Marine Park. Afterwards, permits will be available at the Port Office during regular business hours.
Medical Teams International in partnership with Hood River County will be offering Mobile COVID Testing at the Marine Park Pavilion in Cascade Locks on Tuesday, September 29 from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
No appointment needed – All are welcome.
Please bring a form of identification and medical insurance card if you have them.
The Port of Cascade Locks is accepting letters of interest for a citizen to serve in advisory role on its Economic Development Sub-Committee. These should be submitted to smoore@portofcascadelocks.org.
We are expecting another beautiful weekend here in Marine Park. With great weather comes folks recreating in the park. Please note that the playground is closed at this time due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in our county and around the country affecting youth.
Also, Columbia Gorge Racing Association will be hosting their annual CGOD event at the beach bringing together about 100 people between sailors and on-lookers. CGRA has been carefully working with the Port and their participants to implement strict guidelines for COVID precautionary measures. Be aware that there will be boats and trailers on the beach this weekend, but a section of the beach and parking have been reserved specifically for local community use.
The Port of Cascade Locks is pleased to announce that H. R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, passed by Congress on June 29, 2020 contains language that will make it possible for the Port to apply for and receive federal funding to add a bicycle and pedestrian lane to the Bridge of the Gods. This a critical public safety need to protect hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail and other pedestrians from the growing number of vehicles using the narrow bridge. It will also make it possible for bicyclists to safely travel between Oregon and Washington and access trails and businesses throughout the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area.
“The Port wants to thank Greg Walden and his office for offering the amendment that was approved in the legislation today”, said Jess Groves, Port President. “We also thank Chair DeFazio of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for his strong support. In addition, letters of support from our neighbors in Skamania County and the Pacific Crest Trail Association were instrumental in this success”
Adding this lane to the Bridge will address a real safety need while providing a recreational link between our two states that will support and grow our regional economy”. This bill, INVEST in America Act (The Moving Forward Act) will now go to the Senate and the Port is so grateful the bill has come this far.
The Port of Cascade Locks cancelled the 4th of July Fireworks Show this year to comply with State of Oregon Covid-19 crowd size restrictions. Marine Park will be open for the holiday, but with limited capacity. An area at the boat launch will be designated for legal firework usage and water buckets provided. Masks will be required inside this area. There are portable restrooms available for use as well as the restrooms at the boat launch area. Have a Happy and safe Independence Day!
The Marine Park playground will reopen for use on June 24th with the state approval of Phase 2 reopening for Hood River County. Port Maintenance crew will pressure wash the equipment in preparation for opening. Thank you to Pete Happy with a local company, Pro-Shine Window Washing, for offering to sanitize the playground equipment for safe use! That work is scheduled to be done on June 29th. Portable toilets are located near by and contain sanitizing solutions for your hand washing needs as well.
Pro-Shine specializes in window washing and exterior cleaning. Located in Cascade Locks and serving the Columbia Gorge since 2013, Pro-Shine is equipped to clean all types of properties from commercial to residential. You can contact them or find out more at proshinewindow.com.
Heart of the Gorge Sailing will be returning for their second season in Cascade Locks on Memorial Day Weekend. Now is a good opportunity to get a unique perspective of the majestic Gorge that many of us call home. Offering 2 hr cruises 7 days a week, you’ll be able to find a time that fits your schedule. The Wy’East is a 38′ Catalina that comfortable accommodates up to 6 guests. The crew is happy to welcome special events such as birthdays, anniversaries or weddings. To find out more, visit their website at heartofthegorgesailing.com.
