The Netarts Enhancement Committee, a sub-committee of the Netarts Citizen Advisory Committee, has been working for over a year on a plan to remake portions of the Boat Basin into a nature park and outdoor recreation area. The committee was formed as a result of a series of community meetings that were facilitated by the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. The Netarts Boat Basin is the focal point of Netarts, and it is a diamond in the rough. There is no better place to enjoy the serenity of our beautiful Netarts Bay. It was a natural choice for the Enhancement Committee’s first project.
A conceptual plan was created by Roger Miller, Chairman of the Netarts Enhancement Committee (and a former landscape designer). The goal of the plan is to add landscaping, educational opportunities, and functionality to the areas surrounding the Boat Launch and parking lot. Several gardens, consisting largely of native plants, are envisioned for existing open planting areas. A large sitting area and gazebo will provide residents and visitors with space for picnics, open-air festivals, and concerts. New ADA-compliant pathways will allow easy access to the botanical gardens and sitting areas. The new plantings will be installed and maintained by members of the Netarts community.
No functionality of the boat launch will be lost with this plan. No parking spaces will be removed; the boat ramp and queuing lane will remain as they are now. Gravel areas will be added to existing planting beds for crab cleaning and cooking. A new automated fee station will make it easier for fishermen and Day Use visitors to pay the $10 fee.
The Tillamook County Board of Commissioners has given a preliminary endorsement of this project, although no funds have been committed at this time. The Netarts Bay Enhancement Fund is in the process of being established to provide a way for donors to contribute financially to this project.
“Funding for this project will come from a combination of individual and business donations, grants, and TLT (Transient Lodging Tax) contributions. A generous local resident has pledged to match every dollar contributed — up to $35,000 — to support improvements and long-term stewardship of the Netarts Bay Nature Park & Boat Landing. This means your gift will have twice the impact.
The Tillamook County Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has established the Netarts Bay Enhancement Fund to support this project. Every donation, large or small, moves us closer to unlocking the full $35,000. Click on the form below to make your one-to-one dollar matching contribution.
If you prefer, you may mail a check to: Tillamook County Parks Foundation. Write on the check that it’s for the Netarts Bay Enhancement Fund. Mail your check to: PO Box 633, Garibaldi, OR 97118.”
