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Odlin Park
Odlin park on Lopez Island was constructed by the Civilian Conserveration Corps
during the 1930s.
By 1976, with the park becoming a popular recreation destination for local
citizens and tourists, the San Juan County Park Board recognized the need
for park renovation and upgrade.
In 2009 San Juan County won a grant which, with additional financing
approved by the County Council in 2010, has made the renovation possible |
Project Planning & Design
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 Odlin Park was
designated by an act of Congress in 1926. Its 188 acres
includes old growth forest, wetlands and shoreline.
This project creates a new group campground, enlarges the day use area by the shore, and improves access to the existing campground, while improving ecological processes in the park.
The design goal is to provide more recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors while preserving function of the wetlands and old growth forest within the park's boundaries.
The main campground roadway will be moved further away from the shoreline, reducing congestion and improving visitor safety.
Project elements already completed:
- New Group Campground
- Loop road
- Romtec pre-fab double vault toilet
- Trails
- Stormwater treatment
New Park Water System
- Serves the whole park
- Includes treatment and storage
- New pumphouse
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2013 CONSTRUCTION
| Park Feature | Existing | Improvement |
|---|
| Campground road |
Multiple, conflicting uses share one road |
Day use and campground traffic separated; improved safety; ease congestion |
| Day Use Area |
Limited picnic area & parking |
Expand space & parking |
| Group Camp |
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Add picnic shelter and masonry fire ring |
The project is scheduled for completion in
fall/winter 2013
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic elements of the renovation?
A new Day Use Area will feature improved parking and barrier-free access, expanded area for picnicking and field play, access to/from restroom and shelter without crossing the road, and stormwater treatment at the shoreline. This development also retains a Little League sized ball field and protects archaeological resources.
Renovations to shoreline and RV campsites convert 3 vehicle access campsites and realigns them to 4 walk-in/kayak-in campsites with nearby parking, if needed; restores dune vegetation along 100+ feet of shoreline; and realigns two RV campsites for easier vehicle access and to accommodate road configuration.
The campground road will be relocated to the rear of the playfield area to: clearly separate camping traffic from day users, reducing congestion and improving visitor safety; improve wetland functions and improve park aesthetics in the playfield and restore wetland in the old group camp, while retaining two individual campsites; and eliminate accessory buildings and improve event space facilities.
The new group campground includes a loop road with eight individual sites and bus parking, creating capacity for about 55 people, to meet expected demand. The group camp features a double vault toilet building, a potable water system, and a trail network. A rustic picnic shelter and masonry fire ring will be added. Sensitive design layout and storm water treatment measures reduce new development impacts to the site and conserves sensitive areas and trees.
An upgraded water system has been installed to improve water quality and provide for additional water storage. This water system now serves the entire park, including the new group camp, the residence, the lower campground and day use areas.
How will this be paid for?
This project is financed by Washington Wildlife Recreation Program, Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program, a Washington State LOCAL Loan, and REET 2 proceeds. For informational purposes, the total project cost is estimated to be between $900,000 and $990,000.
How will the renovation affect the cannon?
There are no plans to move the cannon at this time. It will continue to be prominently displayed.
Will the renovation eliminate the ball field or make it unusable?
No. The final plans maintain essentially the same ball field area.