For Immediate Release

Date: October 25, 2005

Strome Park Receives National Award

Strome Park, a boating facility on the Siletz River in rural Lincoln County, is the best small access project in the country, according to the States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA). The national award was announced at the annual SOBA conference, held recently in Springfield, Illinois.

Strome Park is a popular launch site, particularly during the salmon fishing season. Prior to being upgraded, the park’s gravel parking area could accommodate only six vehicles with trailers and the aging asphalt launch ramp was narrow, pocked with potholes and the toe of the ramp severely eroded. Jim Chambers, County Road Maintenance Supervisor, recognized that improvements were needed and worked with the County Commission to apply for a grant from the Oregon State Marine Board to improve the ramp and parking situation.

Given constraints at the existing site, the County needed additional property in order to accommodate more parking. Working cooperatively with an adjacent property owner, the County obtained a long-term lease for three acres adjoining the site. Strome Park now consists of a concrete boat launch, asphalt access road and parking for 22 vehicles with trailers as well as an accessible vault toilet.

The new ramp and parking lot cost $201,438 with the County providing $31,012 through cash and in-kind contributions. Marine Board funds, which come from boaters’ fees and fuel taxes, provided the rest of the money needed to complete the project.

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