One of busiest boat launches in Tri-Cities getting $1.3 makeover
The boat launch at the heart of the Tri-Cities Water Follies summer celebration is getting a $1.3 million makeover.
The city of Kennewick is replacing the old wooden sections of floating dock and other structures at the Columbia Park East boat launch, just west of the blue bridge on Paul Parish Drive.
Contractor Tapani Underground Inc., began work last week on removing and replacing the existing boat launch floats at the two-lane spot where people launch and retrieve boats.
During the three weeks or so of construction, Tapani is working first on one side and then on the other. One lane will remain open for boaters throughout the process.
A portion of the parking lot will be reserved for use by the contractor while the work is ongoing.
The launch is popular with boaters and serves as a focal point for Water Follies, the Salmon Summit and other community events.
The work is being paid for by a Washington Department of Commerce grant.
Though construction is running ahead of schedule, boaters can avoid potential bottlenecks by using the other launches offering access to the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Public boat launches
Kennewick
- Clover Island boat launch
- Columbia Park East, temporarily restricted
- Two Rivers Park (Finley area)
Pasco
- Chiawana Park boat launch
- Road 54 boat ramp
- Schlagel Park/Columbia Marine Center
- Selph Landing boat launch
Richland
- Snyder boat launch at Les Groves Park
- Howard Amon Watercraft launch
- Columbia Point Marina Park
- Columbia Park West at the Wye
Burbank
- Hood Park boat launch (Snake River)
This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 12:23 PM.