PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Washington’s first slide-style boat launch is scheduled to open Friday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverside Park in Sumner.

At the ribbon cutting on the high bank of the Puyallup River there will be a demonstration of lowering and raising boats along the river. The slide’s opening coincides with fishing season.

“Boat entry to the Puyallup River will be much easier and safer,” said Pierce County Councilwoman Pam Roach. “This unique boat slide provides access to the Puyallup River where it wasn’t possible in the past,” she said.

Funding for the slide was the joint effort of Rep. Morgan Irwin (R-Enumclaw) and Pierce County Councilwoman Pam Roach. “Representative Irwin’s help with state funding made this boat launch possible,” Roach said.

Pierce County Public Works constructed the boat slide.  Similar boat slides are prevalent and popular in Oregon, but this is Washington’s first. 

 “We are also working on other access points to the river,” said Roach.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife recently opened access to the Puyallup River at the gravel bar near the end of 116^th St. E., near Orting, which will remain open during fishing season.

In addition to use by recreational boaters, the boat slide gives another entry point for search and rescue personnel.

Riverside Park is located at 7926 Riverside Rd. E., Sumner. A gravel road leads to the launch site.