Editorials, Opinion It’s going to be a pretty special day in Washougal on Friday.
After years of planning, the Washougal Waterfront Park and Trail will officially open to the public. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., at the site located at 335 S. “A” St.
This paved cement pathway, just less that three-quarters of a mile long, winds its way through an area along the Columbia River that once was home to Hambleton Lumber Company. The property housed a working mill until several years ago when it shut down, and, according to Executive Director David Ripp, the property was envisioned to have a “higher purpose.”
A portion of that purpose is now visible today.
The popularity of this trail before it even officially opens to the public, speaks volumes about the role it will most certainly play in the community. On recent sunny days earlier this month, walkers, runners and bicyclists could be found taking advantage of all the scenic location has to offer, from trees and rock formations to interpretive signs, as well as places to picnic and enjoy river access, it’s a magical setting. There are plans to expand and grow its offerings well into the future.
Thanks to local leaders’ vision and oversight, what has been created is a jewel that has been aptly described by Port of Camas-Washougal leaders as a “Legacy Project.”
It is a waterfront public access project that will have positive impacts on the community for generations to come.
