CAPE KIWANDA PARKING LOT CLOSING MARCH 4th

(TILLAMOOK, OR. February, 2024) Together, the County and project team have created a plan that will allow the Kiwanda Corridor Project’s (KCP) first project, the Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot Reconstruction, to still come in on-time and on‐budget. With a busy summer season upon the beautiful Pacific City and surrounding areas, the reconstruction of the lot is well underway. Of course, it has been met with a few proverbial bumps in the road: extreme weather delays, a slide on Sandlake Road, material lead times, and minor but unforeseen design changes that happen to any construction project. All members of the project are committed to finding the best solution to these challenges.

Why Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot will be closed beginning March 4th, 2024

  • The Sandlake Road closure has significantly increased construction trucking haul routes for earthwork. By temporarily closing the parking lot, onsite  earthwork will be stockpiled, which will reduce the transport of soil and aggregates to and from the site. Therefore, the closure results in project efficiency for earthwork and mitigates lost time to the schedule since the landslide event.
  • Since demolition began for improvements to Dorymen’s Way, additional design and construction effortshave been required to stabilize portions of the existing boat ramp sidewalk and bulwark that have beensignificantly undermined through coastal erosion. The result will be a safer and more resilient boat rampand sidewalk to access the beach.
  • Unforeseen conditions were encountered with the project survey monumentation, resulting in design and construction adjustments by the project team.
  • Full closure now will make full operation by peak summer season achievable. 

All efforts are being made to continue safe beach access

  • All public access to the beach will continue to be maintained, including boat launching activities via Dorymen’s Way.
  • Limited parking will be made available during Oregon’s Spring Break. And it will be free!
  • Additional parking will become available by May as the north side of the lot is completed. Again, free to park until the lot is fully operational.
  • Safe pedestrian access to the beach is encouraged along the Pelican Brewing sidewalk.
  • Additional signage and “Getting Around” resource maps will be placed throughout the area.

The County is working closely with Visit Tillamook Coast, other Pacific Northwest destination management
organizations, Pacific City‐Nestucca Valley Chamber, and local government agencies to ensure this closure is
broadly communicated and other areas for parking and beach access are known and publicized.
These intermittent closures are the best move for project completion and create the least disruption to our very
beloved, and also populated, Cape Kiwanda.

Where else can you park?

  • Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Skatepark (55 parking stalls and only a 10‐minute walk to Cape Kiwanda)
  • Pacific City Boat Launch (60 parking stalls including space for large, motorized vehicles).
  • Bob Straub State Park (60 parking stalls with direct access to the beach)
  • Pacific City Turnaround (20 parking stalls and a quaint walk across the Beachy Bridge to local shops and food)

About the KCP and Cape Kiwanda Lot Reconstruction
The Cape Kiwanda Lot Reconstruction includes much‐needed demolition of the existing restrooms; a new restroom building and connecting sidewalks located much closer to the beach; repaving / grading of the parking lot and Dorymen’s Way with upgraded stormwater management systems; pedestrian‐only pathways; civic overlook; upgraded refuse and recycling; EV charging stations; information kiosk; safe routes for drop‐offs, pedestrians, bikes
and the free Pacific City Shuttle; and the trailhead for the future Multi‐Use Path. The parking lot reconstruction is the first part of Tillamook County’s KCP to be built.

The design team has also incorporated infrastructure for future wayfinding connections to the five other project elements of the KCP. More information on the overall KCP please visit the project website: https://tillamookcoast.com/southcounty/kiwanda-corridor-project/

The project is being funded by County transient lodging taxes, day‐use revenues from Pacific City parking lots, and grants from state agencies.

The KCP connects multiple County properties and supports the development of other public spaces with a thoughtfully programmed design that disperses crowds, creates opportunities for equitable outdoor play and education, and promotes stewardship of Pacific City and its natural resources as a whole.

The six project elements include:
1. Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot
2. Jensen Property
3. Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Park
4. Multi‐Use Path
5. Webb Park
6. Shorepine Village Boardwalk

The KCP’s values are:

  • Place: Honor the natural and built heritage of Pacific City
  • People: Enhance the experience for the diverse range of people in Pacific City
  • Natural Environment: Prioritize sound ecological decisions and support sustainability
  • Fiscal Responsibility: Make efficient and responsible financial decisions and maintain affordability
  • Connectivity: Support and integrate multi‐modal connectivity in and around Pacific City while prioritizing accessibility
  • Safety: Prioritize everyday safety alongside emergency management

For more information, please contact Rachel Hagerty, Tillamook County Chief of Staff, at rachel.hagerty@tillamookcounty.gov.

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