Dream job: designing summer

Imagine replacing cubicles with campsites, parking spots with boat slips, and the hum of the copy machine with the buzz of far-off jet skis. It may sound like a vacation, but for SCJ’s engineers and landscape architects designing Crescent Bar, it’s just another day at the office.

Since 2009, the Grant County Public Utility District has been working to enhance user experience at the Crescent Bar Recreation Area and increase public access to the unique location on the Columbia River between Wenatchee and Quincy, Washington.

“This project has been a long time coming,” said Dan Ireland, engineering manager in SCJ’s Wenatchee office. “Crescent Bar is an exceptional area that has plenty to offer, and the additions will only complement what already exists.”

SCJ first assisted Grant PUD with the design of the Off-Island Recreation Area, which includes the redevelopment of a 30+ acre site with pedestrian trails, picnic areas, beach access points, a two-lane boat launch, 50-slip marina, and parking areas for passengers and tow-vehicles. The new boat launch opened on Memorial Day, and the rest of the park will be completed at the end of July.

This will connect to the On-Island design portion, which is complete and open to the public. It is more than 75 acres and includes a 55-site RV campground sized for large RVs and boat parking at each site. The campground is surrounded by multipurpose lawns, day-use and picnic areas, pedestrian trails that lead into an upland habitat restoration area, and easy access points to multiple beaches. A new day-use park features a playground, sports courts, and a multiple-family picnic plaza that connects to the beach.

“Crescent Bar offers something for the entire family,” Dan said. “It’s an easy escape for people in our community and a great getaway for recreation users from the west side of the mountains.”

Construction on the next SCJ-designed phase of work starts in September: a second two-lane boat launch and 70-vehicle/trailer parking area. The entire project is estimated to be completed in October 2018, but the park is open while enhancements are ongoing.

The campground opened less than two weeks ago; so, if you’re looking to trade your cubicle for a campsite, and your office lighting for the sun, then Crescent Bar just might be the place for you to design your summer.

One Comment

  1. It’s beautiful but when will the sand come in to get rid of “Pebble Beach”? It’s sad to see it not being used because it’s too hot and uncomfortable.

    Reply
    1. Good News! The PUD is planning another project, a new boat launch and parking lot facility on the island, during which time they’ll also be adding beach sand to other off island beaches (North Beach, Midway Beach, Teal Beach). Beach sand material wasn’t available earlier this summer. This new boat launch and parking area project should start construction in mid-September this year if all permits are received.

      Reply

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