CGKA - Notice Enforcement of Parking next to Event Site

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

It was brought to our attention recently that the Port of Hood River will begin directly enforcing the 90 minute parking time limit on vehicles parked in the 90min (green painted) parking zones or the No Parking zones. (Portway Avenue and 1st St).
Vehicles that are caught in violation will be towed or ticketed (it has not been made clear to us the level of enforcement just yet, but it will be on this level now, no more warnings)
For the past two weeks the Port has been leaving warning notices on vehicles about the time limits to help spread the word on this enforcement policy.

These zones have always been either no parking or limited timeline parking areas and this enforcement is meant to help control the situation.

In the near future, these areas will be experiencing some user access changes as the Nichols Boat Basin park/trail development plans come to fruition this Fall and Winter.
As a result there will be some definitive parking improvements and changes along these outer perimeter roads. This will enhance the parking/water access for SUP'ers and hopefully alleviate some of the parking and mixed user congestion at the Event Site.

lldkr · Since 01 Jun 2012 47 Posts

So where to park if you don't have an event site parking pass? Nichols basin gravel lot? West of ES side street (Portway ave)?

Surely I'm a step behind here but why don't they open the big empty lot south of the ES for parking?

abkite · Since 25 Jun 2011 27 Posts

The event site parking is not exclusive to cars that hold a parking pass. You can still park there, it's just $5 each day. There are very few launches that are convent and free. But if you do want free parking I believe that the sand bar parking is still free but it only has an out house and a long walk to get to the West side of the sand bar.

JeffT · Since 07 Jul 2012 238 Posts Deep Southern Portland Stoked

the CGKA needs to buy the ES and make parking free for it's members! Very Happy

why not... the pole-dancers bought the hatchery... we can do better than that

wylieflyote · Wed Aug 13, 14 2:14 pm

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

Maybe it's because I live here and get a lot of use out of it, but I think my annual ES park pass is a good deal. Green lawn, bathrooms, drinking fountain, concessions, hose to rinse off, 20 second walk to launch, Park Hosts who keep the place clean, and keep their eye out...

I pay it happily.

Eric
Hood River

JeffT · Since 07 Jul 2012 238 Posts Deep Southern Portland Stoked

You're right, Kip. It was Swell.. http://gorgewindsurfing.org/what-we-do/what-we-are-working-on-now/swell-city/

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

with all the costs of kiting, an annual pass seems reasonable.

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 787 Posts Opinionated

If you can afford kite gear, you ought to be able to afford to pay to park at the Event Site. When you buy your season pass, be sure to check the box that says you are a kiter. Its a great way to show that you support continued kite access at the Event Site.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

^^^
"When you buy your season pass, be sure to check the box that says you are a kiter. Its a great way to show that you support continued kite access at the Event Site."

Indeed!

Sella · Thu Aug 14, 14 8:33 am

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for the positive comments guys.

The Event Site is a pretty nice location with a lot of amenities that cost money to maintain.
If you want to seek free parking and no crowds, then the SandSpit and Marina Beach are awesome spots to have as alternate options, especially for those of you looking for buttery flatwater conditions below the sandbar.

skent · Thu Aug 14, 14 10:56 am

The Event Site pass is totally worth it, especially if you buy it early for the reduced price. Free is great but not if it means no or poorly maintained facilities. I don't mind paying the fee to help maintain the facilities. Someone has to pay for the up keep.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 260 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

and the ES lot is full, now where do I park? Confused

D-Krep It Kiter · Since 18 Jul 2011 417 Posts Obsessed

beefcake · Since 11 Jul 2007 140 Posts Stoked

Second what HRnico said, this happened to me last year, showed up with my pass and parking lot full, I was left to find my own parking. Problem is they sell day passes and it's first come first serve, with more people getting passes this issue has to be worked out, the port has to increase parking or not sell day passes or just not on weekends.
If everyone with a parking pass shows up on a Saturday there is not enough parking.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

When full, it has been my experience that they drop the chain on the dirt lot, and it's free parking for all at that point.

Your point, however, is a good one The Port would be wise to plan for additional parking. There has been an exponential rise in the number of ES users: kiters, SUPers and beach goers. Of course additional parking will require additional money, meaning it's important for folks to continue to buy passes to justify expansion.