Envision a master plan for development of commercial properties and public access along South Bend’s Willapa River frontage extending from the South Bend Boat building to the Willapa Hills Trailhead at Summit Avenue in Raymond. A requisite goal is to extend the terminus of the Willapa Hills State Park Trail (currently ending/beginning at Summit Avenue) into downtown South Bend (past the South Bend Boat operation). Expanding the Trail with public spaces is an objective, helping energize downtown South Bend and provide safe pedestrian access for the community.
This waterfront extent includes parcels that are privately and publicly-owned (by South Bend, Pacific County, and the Port of Willapa Harbor). The Master Plan should consider ownership easements required, auto- and pedestrian-circulation around trail areas, and provision of utilities (electrical power, water, sewer). Sea-level rise over future decades should be reflected in recommendations and concerns.Renderings of proposed new trail or road/structure construction would be valued. Issues and constraints, including environmental cleanup or permitting requirements within the waterfront area (within the Shoreline Management Plans of South Bend and Pacific County). Multiple project phases should be proposed, including a future phase where a Willapa Bay “ferry” dock is established.