New water feature will replace man-made pond in Parker’s Landing

Some local historians are excited that progress has been made with plans for a new water feature near the entrance of Parker’s Landing Historical Park.

Bruce Fuerstenberg, president of the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee, described the project as “a real water feature, versus a pond.”

Affordable Ponds, of Vancouver, submitted the lowest bid, $21,056, among three companies to build the multi-tiered water feature.

The park is located near the Port of Camas-Washougal office and marina, at 24 S. “A” St., Washougal. The port will collect $10,000 from the Parkersville Heritage Foundation, to apply toward the water feature project.

Ginny Frosh, vice president of the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee, said it will play an important role with new development in the area.

“From Highway 14, people driving by will see our awesome water feature and want to drive back to take a closer look,” she said. “Families will want to have their picture taken and maybe have a picnic lunch, explore the area and check out the new trail and park east of the port.”

Frosh also envisions people saying their wedding vows or meditating with the water feature in the background.

“Geocachers from Portland and surrounding cities descend on Parkersville Park from time to time looking for a hidden marking,” she said. “They could take time out of their GPS tracking to enjoy the moment at the water feature, then go back home and tell others about what the port has to offer.”

Donations of $75 each are accepted, and the proceeds will help pay for the placement of up to 160 personalized bricks by the water feature.

It is located near the Van Vleet Historical Plaza, which contains close to 1,000 bricks that have been engraved with the names of individual Chinook Indians, explorers and fur traders, as well as donation land claims holders, homesteaders, pioneer farmers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders, current citizens, churches, clubs and organizations.

Parker’s Landing Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington State Heritage Register, is named in honor of David C. Parker — the first permanent American pioneer settler in East Clark County.

The new water feature will replace a man-made pond, created a decade ago by Molly Eggleston, Dave and Lisa Plous and Dale Kirkpatrick.

The Parkersville Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, so donations for bricks are tax-deductible. Donation forms are located in the port office. Questions can be emailed to phfbrickorders@gmail.com.