Port of Everett rolls out 'Welcome Wagon' at marina

EVERETT -- The Port of Everett is trying to improve communication and services at its marina.

A survey of its customers earlier this year told the port that people like the location, think the facilities are pretty clean and in good condition, but don't always know about upcoming events. They also want to see improvements in services such as the availability of ice.

Scott Grindy, the port's acting marina director, said the port has many activities such as concerts, a Fourth of July celebration, public markets, an arts fair and a holiday tree-lighting event that a lot of people don't know about.

"We need to communicate better," Grindy said.

He said the port has mailed information to people who paid the moorage bills, but that didn't always filter down to those who were using the boats.

So the marina staff decided to "improve communication in its simplest form" by putting notices on bulletin boards that people can see as they go to their boats.

"They see it right when they walk up to the gate," Grindy said.

He said the marina staff is working on an updated directory of marine services available in the area that should be ready for the end of the summer.

"They can open it up and see who are the local guys and who's available in the rest of the county," Grindy said. "It gives them a chance to get more bids. A directory will really help."

For guest boaters and for new tenants at the marina, the port is putting together a packet of information on who to call in an emergency and what services are available.

Grindy likened it to a "Welcome Wagon" approach and said he's hoping to get businesses to contribute a coupon for a cup of coffee or something similar.

He's also looking to set up phone kiosks at the marina's guest docks so that people who tie up after hours can make calls from the dock. And he says he'd like to establish some Wi-Fi hot spots so that people can get online information quickly and easily.

"We want to make sure that we're providing what people are asking for," Grindy said.

He noted that many people also asked for more convenience store options for things such as ice and fast food.

There now are ice machines available at the fuel dock, the south marina and the boat ramp.

One of those machines, at the boat ramp, was provided by Marlene Toomey, the operator of the Slippery Sockeye stand that provides food, drinks and other items for people at the ramp and for those heading to the Jetty Island ferry.

Toomey, of Arlington, said she used to operate PK's general store, which was closed two years ago as the port readied the area for development.

She said she's tried to make her stand helpful to island visitors with quick and easy lunches and other items.

And she's been talking to the port about setting up and stocking a "floating convenience store" on Jetty Island when the foot ferry resumes for summer visitors next year.

Tucker Kerr of Mill Creek said he likes the idea of more services on the waterfront. He was there recently to go to Jetty Island with his wife, Khon, and daughter, Tiah.

"The economy has really changed our behavior," he said. "We're trying to get out of the house and go and do things, but are staying close."

A Jetty Island trip is "fairly inexpensive and fairly uncomplicated," he said.