GARDINER — The Gardiner boat launch on Discovery Bay has reopened following a $1.07 million replacement that improves water access for recreational boaters and makes it easier for people of all abilities to get on the water.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday marked the completion of the new ramp and floating dock. The project was supported by a grant from the state Recreation and Conservation Office.
The ramp was closed in July for construction and the new seasonal floating dock was installed this week.
The dock, built in four sections, will be removed later this month and reinstalled in the spring to protect it from winter storms.
Work included removing and replacing the original 1982 concrete launch and undergrounding overhead utilities that once interfered with sailboat masts.
Jefferson County paved and raised Gardiner Beach Road about 18 inches at the launch site to prevent flooding during high tides and to create easier access.
The new floating dock was designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, with barriers and a gently sloped concrete access wedge that make it easier for people using wheelchairs or walkers to reach a vessel safely.
“This project was prioritized because it’s the only public access to Discovery Bay, so it’s an important project for us,” said Eron Berg, the port’s executive director. “We’re super delighted with the outcome.”
Port staff will handle removal and reinstallation of the floating dock, which connects to the concrete wedge by a long pin so the four floats can be retrieved for winter storage.
At the ribbon-cutting, Berg, port commissioners Carol Hasse and Pam Petranek and Jefferson County Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour were joined by Jamestown S’Klallam tribal historic preservation officer Allie Taylor and former port manager George Yount in recognizing the upgraded facility.
Also at the event were representatives from Van Ness Construction of Port Hadlock, which served as the contractor, and Reid Middleton, which provided planning and design services.
“We’re firm believers that people have the opportunity to get out on the water and be in such a stunningly beautiful place as this,” Hasse said. “It makes us better able and inspired to take care of our precious environment. So thank you to everybody who made this happen.”
Use of the ramp and dock are on a fee-based honor system. Daily and annual use permits can be purchased from the Boat Haven Moorage Office.
The 2025 launch rates can be found at tinyurl.com/2xedfrcj. The port has not yet finalized rates for 2026.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
