New PUD gazebo coming to Ives Landing Park this spring

Pateros – Ives Landing Park is getting a new gazebo this spring similar to those in Lakeshore Park.

Pateros City Council member Megan Sherrard who, along with council member Holly Bange, is a member of the city Streets and Parks Committee, advised the council at its Feb. 21 meeting that both met with City Administrator Jord Wilson and Mayor Kelly Hook at Ives Landing to select the most convenient and least problematic spot for the new park structure.

“The PUD is going to put in a gazebo for us,” said Sherrard. “We’re very excited to have a gazebo at Ives Landing; I think it is needed.”

The concern was to select a site in the small park north of Lakeshore Park that would not be mistaken for an exclusive use gazebo for any tent or RV campers that happen to rent a space near it, but rather a facility available to the public at all times. Following a discussion of the pros and cons of various spots it was the consensus of the group to locate the gazebo near the boat launch, stairs, and dock. Owing to space constraints it was decided to make the new structure smaller than the original 16-foot by 25-foot dimensions because it will be close to both the road on one side and the steps on the other.

Council member George Brady asked if the city considered putting the gazebo at the far end of the park where there is no development? Mayor Hook said the far end had been discussed but the PUD ruled it out due to its proximity to the railroad tracks and sewer station.

Brady also asked if the gazebo would interfere with extending the walking trail installed by the PUD along the river last year. He was assured that site will allow the trail extension to be unimpeded.

Finally, Brady wondered if fisherman returning to the dock and boat launch would use the gazebo as a default cleaning station to clean their catches.

“That’s a good point,” Kelly and Sherrard conceded and agreed that clear signage will be added to make sure the latter does not become a problem.