d rust ate away at its structural integrity, the Port of Kingston replaced the 40-year-old gangway.

Installation of a longer ramp to the fuel dock took place in early January and required the removal of 10 feet of pier timbers to accommodate the new structure, according to port Manager Mike Bookey.

“The old gangway’s metal support structure was nearly rusted through,” he noted. “Recently, the wheel on the bottom of the ramp fell off its axle requiring port staff to weld it back on a fixed position.”

During minus tides, the ramp “became a ladder – very difficult for customers and staff to negotiate,” Bookey said.

Though not an item listed in the port’s Master Plan as a short-term objective, it was apparent that the ramp needed to be replaced immediately. Port staff members Ross Carlson and Ed Clark removed the 31-foot-long ramp, cutting it into sections and lowering it into the port’s boat.

Millican Crane Service of Port Gamble was contracted to use its crane that has the largest mobile boom available, Bookey said, to lift the new 40-foot-long aluminum ramp out to the fuel dock, 130 feet from shore. After looking into the use of a barge-based crane, the port found the land-based crane was the least expensive option.

The new fuel ramp, which cost $11,000, was manufactured by Mantle Industries of Bellingham, Bookey said, and weighs 1,931 pounds.

Rethinking a performing arts gazebo

Now that the port has a signed lease with Washington State Ferries and sent its passenger-only ferry plan off to the governor, it can focus again on the short-term projects of the Master Plan. After completing the replacement of fuel tanks and installation of a water feature last year, and moving into permitting for a small watercraft facility, the port is rethinking plans for a performing arts facility in its Mike Wallace Memorial Park, home to the Kingston Farmers’ Market, Fourth of July concerts, Tunes on Tuesdays and other community events.

The performing arts facility ranked second in a planning survey circulated to people residing within the port district in December 2005, and the port has continued to receive feedback from the community which hopes opportunities for events at the park will open up, not only for residents to enjoy but to attract more visitors into downtown Kingston.

A drawing of a proposed gazebo was created and shared with the community for input in the last year, but Bookey said response was tepid. He and port commissioners met with tenants of the marina in December 2007 to take another look at it. Commissioners will decide whether or not to revamp the plan this month.

“We may rethink the whole park and make the plan more conducive to community events,” Bookey said. “It’s the Central Park for Kingston.”

Objections to the previous gazebo schematic were that it was too big, expensive and blocked views of the water. If commissioners give the go-ahead to rework design of a facility and create a master plan for the park, Bookey said even the current location of picnic tables will be taken into consideration

“We heard the community,” Bookey said. “They want the port and park to be more active and host more events. We’re going to work really hard on that.”

He hopes that, by the end of March, three architectural or engineering firms could be approached to create master plans with associated costs. The port would then host an open house with an inclusive invitation to the community to look closely at the alternative concepts and either choose one or draw from the best aspects of each and come up with a better master plan they can get excited about supporting.

“Don’t sing from a blank hymnal,” Bookey said of asking for input on a park master plan. “People are much better if you give them something to push against.”

Though the park is enjoyed by thousands of people, especially in the summer, producing events there has been difficult. Electricity for sound and lighting systems has to run through a series of extension cords hooked up in the laundromat beneath the port office.

During the farmers’ market, musicians play underneath a small white canopy and acoustics are non-existent. Bookey said the port would ask musicians to give perspective and guidance in creating a new layout for the park and performing arts stage so the best viewing angles, acoustics and location of electrical outlets are taken into account. Other details such as where people sit during events and the easiest way to wire a facility should also be considered.

“We want there to be something happening all the time,” Bookey said. “People like music and food so that’s a good place to start.”

The 3,000 square-foot concrete slab in the parking lot near the port office, former site of a restaurant, is a great place to hold a Taste of Kingston event or something similar, Bookey pointed out. The Downtown Kingston Association has also indicated an interest in holding a Sunday flea market during the summer, and the newly formed Kingston Repertory Theater wants to stage outdoor productions at the park.