Staff presents strategic plan to raise occupancy and reduce marina subsidy at Blythe Island Regional Park

County staff presented a strategic review of Blythe Island Regional Park that recommends near‑term marketing and customer‑experience changes to raise campground occupancy and reduce the park’s operating subsidy.

The presenter said Blythe Island currently has 97 full‑service and 24 primitive campsites and an average combined occupancy rate of about 34.7 percent. "The occupation rate right now is about 34.7 percent," the presenter said. He reported average cost recovery for parks across the county is about 95% over five years, but that Blythe Island’s rate fell to about 81.9% in 2024 when marine operations are included.

Staff used cell‑phone data to analyze visitation patterns and concluded Blythe Island is primarily a regional, long‑weekend campground drawing visitors from within a few hours’ drive. The review showed the marina and marine operations produce higher expenses (personnel and lift operations) than revenue; staff said marine operations average about $275,000 in expenditures with roughly $100,000 in revenue, creating a subsidy.

Short‑term recommendations include a targeted marketing plan, improved wayfinding and entrance signage, and low‑cost customer‑experience improvements to attract first‑time visitors and raise repeat business. Longer‑term options include a community building for group events and cabin construction; staff cautioned that additions such as cabins require ongoing maintenance funding.

Commissioners discussed marina repairs and bathhouse upgrades, gangway replacement timing, and the park’s inclusion in broader parks master planning. Staff said some projects from a 2022 park visioning plan are already complete and that the strategic plan should be circulated to the commission.