A group of boating organizations has joined forces with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and the Oregon State Marine Board to save a Portland-area dock that was in danger of decommissioning this year.
OPRD, along with the Columbia River Yachting Association (CRYA) and its volunteer organization for girls (aged 14 to 17, called the Daughters of Neptune) were able to raise $18,750 via a state small-business grant to make repairs to the access ramp to Hadley’s Landing on the Multnomah Channel.
Hadley’s Landing is located about 10 miles northwest of Portland, just downstream from the Wapato Bridge, and is adjacent to the Wapato Access Greenway on Sauvie Island. Though it is not one of the larger urban docks in the Portland area, the L-shaped Hadley’s Landing is about 300’ long with moorage space for about a dozen boats.
The funds will go toward repair of the land-access ramp to the dock, which has been slowly deteriorating over the years and was temporarily closed on several locations last year due to safety concerns. OPRD’s contribution makes up about 25% of the total cost of repairs, while CRYA and the Daughters of Neptune will be supporting 12.5%, said Katie Schenk, chair of CRYA’ Dock Advocacy Committee.
The repairs, Schenk said, will go toward replacement of the gangway access to the wooden dock, using aluminum grating. The dock itself and the pilings underneath, she added, are still in good shape and are not in need of repair.
“We’re working on a clearer collaboration with Parks and other groups about ongoing maintenance of the dock,” Schenk said. “We don’t want to let the facility fall into disrepair again, so we’re organizing with volunteer groups to perform better upkeep.”
CRYA is also working to raise funds and public awareness about needed repairs on other parts of the Willamette and Columbia river systems, including two docks popular with recreational boaters and paddlers on Government Island that are in constant need of upkeep because of strong river currents. “While this funding allows for critical near-term improvements, continued community support remains essential,” Schenk said. “Access points like Hadley’s Landing depend on both public investment and an engaged boating community willing to step up and support them.”
PHOTO CAPTION: (can be used for either or both photos)
Aerial view of Oregon’s Hadley’s Landing on the Multnomah Channel, showing the orange fencing on the temporary closure of the gangway.
