Keystone Boat Launch construction begins at Fort Casey State Park

OLYMPIA – Nov. 23, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is set to begin construction on the Keystone Boat Launch at Fort Casey State Park.

The project will be underway from Dec. 1 to Spring 2023. During the construction period, the boat ramp will experience intermittent partial and full closures. Visitors will be updated on upcoming closures through signage at the park and online. Boaters are also encouraged to call the park office at Fort Casey at (360) 678-4519 prior to arrival to check on the closure status of the ramp.

The boat launch at Fort Casey is a high priority project for Parks. It serves approximately 55,000 visitors per year. In December 2018, heavy winds pushed a breakwater structure into the floating docks at the boat launch with such force that it knocked over a concrete pilon, damaging the docks. The same storm also caused significant erosion along the southwest-facing beach.

The $2.4 million project will be completed thanks to the funding support of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). Once it is complete, the boat ramp will be fully operational with a new protective breakwater structure, replacement of the destroyed pilon, installation of additional pilons and replacement of the damaged docks.

The Keystone Boat Launch is the primary boat ramp on the west side of Whidbey Island, which provides access to the Puget Sound. Without this ramp in service, boaters must launch either at Deception Pass State Park on the northern tip of the island or from the boat ramp in Clinton on the south end of the island.

News media contact:

Sarah Dettmer, Communications Manager, media@parks.wa.gov

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.