By Sonora Tate

Special to the Weekly

If you haven’t been to the County Fairgrounds lately, you might be surprised by the improved accessibility, refreshed look and wide range of facility updates.

“It feels like we’ve got a brand-new fairground,” said Projects and Grants Coordinator Gabe Conway. “A lot of people have come together to bring this to the community.”

Crews re-roofed and re-painted the Tractor Shed, Wool Shed and Jim Crook Building – often used for summer camps and the fiber art displays at the Fair – to match the red of the historic horse barn, creating a cohesive look across the property. Restrooms are sparkling with new stalls, sinks, mirrors and white wall coverings. Concrete sidewalks now wrap the main building, improving ADA access. Additionally, “dirt roads and parking lots are chip sealed – really cutting back on the potholes and dust!” said Conway.

The picnic shelter near the stage, used for library story times during the summer and other events, has been revamped with a new deck, ramp and paint. After a busy spring of construction, crews landscaped the formerly compacted lawns, and park staff planted fruit trees and big leaf maples (grown from seed from the historic maple tree at English Camp), to create a beautiful place where the community can gather.

Other highlights include an arch of antennas that will provide communication abilities during emergencies and natural disasters. This fall, the County will also install a permanent toilet at the skatepark, replacing the existing portable toilet.

These upgrades were funded in part by the Washington State Department of Agriculture Fairs Program Capital Project Grants and completed through a joint effort between the County’s Parks and Fair Department, Public Works Department and contractors. Last year, the fairgrounds hosted events over 300 days of the year and welcomed 15,725 Fair attendees. With this list of improvements complete, park staff are excited to welcome folks back to a fairground that is safe, accessible and will benefit the community for years to come.

“The most rewarding part of these projects has been seeing people enjoy the improvements,” Conway added. “So many have fond memories at the fairgrounds, and now it really feels like the place has come back to life.”

Contributed photo. ADA Parking at Fairgrounds.

Contributed photo. Updated picnic shelter.