Community Environment Government

Kopachuck closure begins Monday

Washington State Parks has confirmed that Kopachuck State Park will close for construction for more than a year on Monday, June 3.

There had been uncertainty after bids exceeded available funding. State Parks’ engineers estimated the base cost at $7.1 million. The state Legislature appropriated $6.6 million.

Pease Construction of Lakewood submitted the lowest bid at $8.1 million by the April 25 deadline, but withdrew it. Mountain Construction of Tacoma was the next-lowest bidder at $8.6 million, which the state accepted.

A slate of alternate items raised it to $9.5 million. Those items will have to wait until a future funding request, State Parks spokeswoman Meryl Lassen said on Wednesday, May 29,

They include a wood deck, ramp and stairs to the beach trail; amphitheater wood deck, ramp and stairs; welcome center wood stairs; school connector trail and small parking lot; day use area to beach area trails; and use of on-site salvaged wood for play tower and entry gate.

Work on the lower, beach area had already been postponed because of problems getting it fully permitted and not wanting to further delay the entire project, which was planned in 2014. The state re-envisioned the park for day use after its campground closed in 2011 because of diseased trees.

Kopachuck State Park site plan.