Port of Kalama’s new 24-acre recreational facility leads East Port development
(PRWEB) JULY 30, 2015
Play ball! Port of Kalama’s Haydu Park is open for business. The much-anticipated 24-acre state-of-the-art recreational facility opened recently to a packed field of celebrants attending the Kalama Community Fair. Port of Kalama commissioners gathered to celebrate the new park and dedicate a ball field to the late Port commissioner Fred Swanstrom.
New baseball & softball fields, soccer fields, a horse riding arena, restrooms & concession stand, tennis courts, basketball courts, on-site parking, and an expo area are just some of the premier features of Haydu Park. The expo center will be available for public event reservations starting in late August. The facility also includes walking trails with access to several thousand feet of Kalama River frontage.
“The public response to the opening of the new Haydu Park has been overwhelming—we are delighted to help meet the need for this additional recreational and event space,” says Randy Sweet, president, Port of Kalama Board of Commissioners. “We thank the Haydu family for their generous contribution of this land. Now, Kalama has room to host sports tournaments which will increase destination tourism and revenues to the area.”
Haydu Park is named for the family that owned the property for many years. When the family agreed to sell to the Port, they returned $100,000 to the Port for construction of the facilities. The Port funded the balance of the construction using profits from operations: no tax dollars were required.
In addition to the construction of Haydu Park at East Port, the Port of Kalama recently commenced development of the 70-acre Spencer Creek Business Park, located north of Kalama River Road right off of Interstate 5. The Spencer Creek Business Park will support a mix of light industrial, office, commercial and retail uses including:
- Light industrial
- Commercial/retail
- Hotel
- Convenience store
- Dining
The Port successfully petitioned to annex its East Port properties, including Haydu and Spencer Creek Business Park, into the City of Kalama last year. As a result, local municipal revenues should benefit from all upcoming sale and leasehold activity. The Port is also financing associated public improvements including new sidewalks, road upgrades and habitat enhancements.
