During late 1996 and 1997 progress continued on the development of the master plans for the Hatchery by the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission. Ken Maddox has monitored the progress of this effort by attending the meetings of the large task force advising on this effort. The planning consultants, OTAK, have held two public open houses. The latter one was on June 4th in Hood River. It was attended by many CGWA members who suggested a number of good ideas and changes. We are working to keep a maximum number of parking spaces on the south side of Highway 14, in order to avoid parking and traffic congestion. The latest plans in the first phase of construction call for 160 improved parking spaces, pedestrian walkways on the south side of the Hatchery road, and possibly a comfort station and viewing area on the south side of Highway 14 . A second phase may add improvements to parking on the north side of Highway 14 and possibly a pedestrian or even auto underpass between the south and north parking areas. The first phase of improvements is scheduled for the two-year period July 1, 1997-June 30, 1999, perhaps beginning in the spring of 1998.
The designs were completed in July for presentation to the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission at their meeting scheduled for September 5th. The sum of $250,000 has been allocated for construction during the next two years both for Doug's Beach and the Hatchery. It will likely be spent on a first phase of improving the Hatchery, with improvements to Doug's Beach not yet scheduled. CGWA members continue to work with Washington State Parks and with their consultants on these plans and their realization. If you have interest in the issues concerning this site, contact CGWA.

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