This Pierce County boat ramp will only be open for locals this summer. Here’s why
If you don’t live in the Bonney Lake area, you may not be able to launch your boat at Allan Yorke Park this year.
The City Council held a town hall meeting April 5, during which it unanimously voted to keep the launch ramp at 7203 West Tapps Highway E. open this year with conditions. The ramp will be open to residents who purchase a pass and have a safe parking space secured elsewhere, as there will be no boat trailer parking available on site.
Residents who have a pass and decide to park their boats and trailers in the park’s parking lots or on surrounding neighborhood streets may get their boats and trailers impounded, according to a news release.
An annual boat launch pass costs $30 plus tax. People who live inside city limits and have a valid drivers license can purchase a pass at the city’s police department at 18421 Veterans Memorial Dr. E.
Council member Justin Evans told The News Tribune residents who have a pass and need to park their boats and trailers must find a friend or family member who lives near the park.
“They can’t park on the streets or in our parking lot,” Evans said. “If they live a block away, they can just drive it back to their house.”
Earlier this month, the City Council considered closing the launch ramp entirely for the season. Construction of a new multi-sport synthetic turf field is in the works, and the boat parking area will be displaced while that work is done.
The project will include a new boat and trailer parking area by summer 2023. About 30 trailers will be able to fit in the new parking area, Evans told The News Tribune March 30.
During the April 5 meeting, some residents spoke against closing the launch ramp for the entire season. One resident said he moved to Bonney Lake recently just so he could use the launch ramp and that not everyone will need trailer parking.
If the city allowed boats and trailers to use other parking lots at Allan Yorke during construction, other visitors to the park would have trouble finding spots, city officials said.
Evans said during the meeting that about 80 cars would be displaced by about 30 boats.
Boating season typically runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Evans told The News Tribune.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article stated that boat launch passes can be bought at city hall — residents can buy the passes at the city’s police department, not city hall
This story was originally published April 18, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
