New boat ramp installed at War Memorial Field, more updates to come

The War Memorial Field boat launch and ADA-accessible pathway opened on schedule this Friday at 7 a.m., according to a press release from the city of Sandpoint.

The floating launch dock will still be added, but not until the lake level is closer to full pool, according to the release.

The city is also continuing work on the parking lot over the next few weeks, and will include more landscaping and a permanent restroom. The city further plans to install an ADA-accessible non-motorized launch and boat wash station in July.

The new parking lot layout will increase parking stalls from 44 to 68, according to the release. This will help to accommodate War Memorial Field users and reduce the impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

The parking lot is also increasing in boat trailer spaces to 22 stalls set at a 45-degree angle, instead of the previous 90-degree angle, to make entering and exiting easier, according to the release.

“Accessible stalls are located in the correct locations to serve the field and launch. The parking lot was designed to comply with the city’s landscape ordinance and lights have been added to increase visibility and security,” City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton said in the release. “Stormwater collection and treatment has also been improved.”

The upgrades are the final projects conpleted thanks to the voter-approved 1% resort city sales tax, which residents voted for in 2015. The five-year tax ended Dec. 31, 2020.

Other projects funded by the tax included the grandstands, gateway and artificial turf at War Memorial Field.

According to the release, those funds were also used to leverage a $360,000 grant from the Idaho Parks & Recreation Waterways Improvement Fund for boat ramp parking.

“A second grant of $43,975 awarded from the Idaho Parks & Recreation Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provided the funding for the non-motorized launch,” Stapleton said in the release. “Additionally, a $5,000 pass through grant was provided by Panhandle Health District to increase public safety with the parking lot lighting and a $10,000 grant was awarded by the BNSF Foundation for the log booms.”

The city also plans to add short-term mooring docks next year, primarily funded through a pending $275,000 grant from the Idaho Parks & Recreation Waterways Improvement Fund.

This is a dream come true, said Sandpoint Parks & Recreation Director Kim Woodward. “I can’t wait to move onto the other parks and trail improvements envisioned in our Parks & Recreation Master Plan. This community is awesome and when we come together to achieve a vision, anything is possible.”

The city would also like to thank o its general contractor LaRiviere, Inc. and subcontractors Salmon Electric, Interstate Concrete & Asphalt, CE Kramer Crane & Contracting, Peak Sand and Gravel, Bestway Tree Service, and Arrow Concrete & Asphalt Specialties, Inc. for their hard work on the project.

“A special thank you goes to Uncle Dave for his great work building the new rockery wall,” the release states.