Former Marina Ramps at Boyer Park Get New Life in Tekoa, Washington

A City of Tekoa project is giving new life to two former marina ramps at Boyer Park. 

In the spring of 2023, the Port of Whitman County completed its longtime project to replace and rehabilitate the original docks at Boyer Park and Marina. As a result, the Port no longer had a use for the former marina ramps. Then, the Port and the City of Tekoa discovered a new purpose for them 50 miles across the county: a new pedestrian bridge across Hangman Creek. The bridge will allow for safe pedestrian passage across the creek, as the bridge at Washington State Route 27 does not have sidewalks. The route is a popular walking path for nearby residents and children walking to school. 

The Port surplussed two marina ramps and sold them to the City of Tekoa for $1,500 each. The City’s other bid came in around $44,000, which was not feasible for the small municipality, said City Clerk/Treasurer Eliza Evans-Teague.

“Without these ramps being surplussed by the Port, this project would not have been possible,” Evans-Teague said. “The community is very excited.”

The City hopes to open the bridge to pedestrians later this week, she said. 

Port of Whitman County Commissioner and Tekoa resident Karl Webber said the Port was honored see the ramps repurposed for the benefit of a Whitman County community.

“I could not imagine a better use for these former marina ramps,” Webber said. “They will continue to meet the needs of Whitman County residents, only now in a different portion of the county.”