Oak Harbor became an even better place last week with the official opening of the waterfront trail and coinciding announcement that the trail can now be extended to Maylor Point.
After years of labor, largely volunteer, the trail now runs from Highway 20 east along Oak Harbor Bay, ending before it hits Navy property. It’s a great boon to residents and visitors alike. The trail wends its way through Freund Marsh and Windjammer Park. Interpretive signs tell you what plant and avian life to watch for, and the views of the bay, Saratoga Passage and, way down south, the giant ice cream cone called Mount Rainier, are spectacular. Easily accessible from numerous points, the trail is great for walkers, joggers, bird watchers or anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors inside the city limits.
The trail’s grand opening was made even better when Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Commander, Capt. Gerral David, announced it can now be extended to Maylor Point on the Navy’s Seaplane Base property. This will lengthen the trail to three miles, giving the public access to a beautiful area that has been closed for security reasons since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The trail extension is another welcome sign of the relaxation of security at the Seaplane Base, a change in policy quietly implemented late last year. There is no longer any need to stop at the security gate before entering. Although the guards were always professional and respectful, visitors feel a bit more welcome now that the gate is open. And access is now easier to such amenities as the city animal shelter, PBY Museum and Navy Exchange. The present leadership at the base, working with the city, has commendably worked to make the city a better, more welcoming place.
With spring weather finally arriving, everyone should make it a point to walk Oak Harbor’s waterfront trail, read the sign on the east end citing those responsible for creating it, and think about volunteering to help with the extension to Maylor Point. The trail has quickly become one of the city’s crown jewels and will no doubt be one of its major attractions for years to come.
