Patrons want to know Port 2 plans for park

What's going to happen at County Line Park?

That's what a group of frequent users asked members of the Port District No. 2 board of commissioners on Tuesday.

Port 2 is working its way down a path of agreements with other governmental entities to take over operation of the park on November 1. Port officials feel they can upgrade park facilities and run it in a cost effective manner.

Spokesperson David Pennington explained that the group consists of people who have stayed at the park many times over the years and who have become like family. They want to know the port's plans, how long the park might be closed, what will happen to the current park hosts, and so on.

Pennington added that he works for the Veteran's Administration and often brings troubled vets to the park, which is like a sanctuary. The group of regular campers has joined in helping the vets feel relaxed.

Port Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen explained that the port is taking over the park, which Cowlitz County, the current operator, plans to close, because port staff feel they can operate it better than it has been. The park needs to be closed temporarily to refurbish restrooms and inspect and possibly improve the well (the day use portion will likely stay open during the work). Port officials also want to see how camping can be expanded. Once the improvements are finished, the park will be reopened.

"We want to fix it up before fishing season," Gilbertsen said.

She added that plans are just getting developed, for the port hasn't completed the agreements necessary to have authority over the park.

Port Commission Chair Brian O'Connor added that there has been no discussion of what rate increases are in store, but there will probably be some increases.

"I can't give you an honest answer right now; I just don't know," O'Connor said.

Pennington asked that the increases be kept as low as possible so that people on limited incomes could still afford to stay at the park, and commissioners said they would keep that in mind.

The group also asked what would happen to park hosts Bob and Arloa McLeare. Gilbertsen replied that their tenure would end when Cowlitz County authority ended. She said she had understood that Cowlitz would give them a 30-day notice of termination.

The McLeares said they had heard nothing from Cowlitz, and Gilbertsen said they should understand that they now had that notice, effective November 15. Skamokawa Vista Park Manager Janet Bryan said the port is advertising for park hosts for County Line Park, and the couple could apply.

The group urged commissioners to hire the couple and said they had been very effective in the years they had been park hosts.

Port district officials said they would let the group know, through Pennington, developments and progress as the transition continues.