Construction will affect recreation access to the park
OLYMPIA – July 10, 2015 – Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces that the boat launch at Joemma Beach State Park on the Key Peninsula will be replaced this summer. Work begins July 28 and is expected to be completed Aug 2.
During the replacement project, much of the park will be closed, and there will be no beach access. Also closed will be the water trail campsites, day-use areas and picnic shelter.
Remaining open during construction will be the first camping loop (sites 1 through 12) and moorage at the dock and mooring buoys with restricted access to the park.
Replacement is necessary because the existing boat ramp is deteriorating and has several holes and exposed rebar. The new ramp will consist of 4-by-12-foot concrete planking. When completed, the watercraft launch will create a smoother and safer ramp for boaters and will also have a slightly smaller footprint on the beach. The replacement project is on State Parks’ deferred maintenance list and is paid for from state capital bond funds. The boat ramp replacement completes an $85,000 deferred maintenance project, which also included replacing the gangway ramp from the pier to the floats at Joemma.
“We realize the timing for this project is not ideal, since it’s our busiest time of year, but we are restricted to specific work windows due to permitting regulations and need low tides to do the construction work. I believe visitors will really appreciate the new boat launch for years to come,” said Janet Shonk, Area Manager.
Shonk said if the project is completed before Aug. 2, the park will fully reopen.
About Joemma Beach State Park
The 122-acre marine camping park has 3,000 feet of saltwater frontage on the southeast Key Peninsula in Pierce County. For more information, including maps, visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/524/Joemma-Beach
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
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Media contacts:
Janet Shonk, (253) 884-2514
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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