by Anthony Simpson

Airport manager

The Eastsound Airport has started a project to rehabilitate the large parking lot north of the terminal.  The project will be completed in phases and includes reversing the flow of the parking lot. This is a significant change that was undertaken to facilitate access to the helipad through the gate at the north end of the parking lot.

Switching the orientation of an active parking lot is no simple task and the airport asks for your patience and help to complete this phase as quickly as possible.  They are asking that drivers follow the new flow (counter-clockwise) and park in the new orientation if they can find a spot.  To facilitate the subsequent construction phase, please park on the west side of the lot if possible (the side near the aircraft ramp).  Drivers should park with caution, as the parking barriers will remain in the old orientation during this phase. If you can’t find a suitable spot, the airport requests drivers choose from the following alternatives to keep the project moving forward.

For drivers parking long-term (past the end of February), park in the lot near FedEx (the lot closest to Mt. Baker Road). For shorter term parking, drivers may still park in the old orientation if they cannot park in the new orientation.  As a last resort, if parking in the lot is not available in either orientation, short-term parkers may park in the spots directly in front of the terminal that are normally 12-hour restricted spots. For this phase of the project, these spots will be assessed at the regular $2 per day rate instead of a penalty rate. Once the majority of vehicles have been reoriented in the parking lot, the airport will work to clear and close the entire east side of the lot for rehabilitation. Once the east side is reopened, work will begin on the west side.

If drivers have any questions, they are encouraged to contact me by phone at 376-5285 or by email at orcasairport@rockisland.com.  Your patience is greatly appreciated.