By Laura Swanson
There’s something great happening in Netarts. A collaborative effort between community members, Tillamook County Parks, Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS and Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, among others, are working together to beautify and enhance the Netarts Landing Boat Basin. Imagine native plants and learning gardens, grown by local students, accessible benches, areas for birdwatching, and a pavilion for events and community gatherings.
It all began thanks to a land donation in 1955 from Paul J. Bishop and J.F. “Monty” Jager …
The idea for improving the Netarts Boat Basin came from community conversations with the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association over two years ago. The most important characteristics that community members wanted to maintain were identified, and priorities were established. The Netarts Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was revived, and sub-committees were formed. Livability and the beautification of parks and shared community spaces were given high priority, and the Netarts Enhancement Committee was formed to identify projects that need attention. The Netarts Boat Basin was a logical start for these efforts.
Community member Roger Miller, an experienced landscape designer, took the lead. “The boat basin is about more than boats. It’s the gateway –the front door entrance – to the Netarts community,” explained Miller. “This is one of the best panoramic views of the Bay, and the area is not being utilized as it could be.” The vision includes native plantings (many grown by local students) and learning gardens, informational/safety signage, ADA accessible pathways, benches and picnic tables, areas for birdwatching, and a patio/pavilion for family outings, outdoor events, and community gatherings. The new plantings will be installed and maintained by members of the Netarts community.
The Tillamook County Board of Commissioners have been very supportive of the project and approved the agreement for the first “adopt-a-park” program on Earth Day, April 22, 2026. This was the first of many steps that the project is navigating. “This is a great example of what a small group of people can accomplish,” said Tillamook County Parks Director Dan Keyes. “The Netarts Landing project prompted us to develop and expand our volunteer policies and develop an agreement for “adopt-a-park” programs.” When Keyes was approached about the project, maintenance and upkeep were of course his main concerns, but Miller and the Netarts Enhancement Committee are stepping up to fill those needs. “This type of project gives the community ownership, it truly is their park,” commented Keyes.
As one of the most used County Parks, Netarts Landing is getting several upgrades this year, including the paving, a new dock is being designed, and stabilization of the bank area.
Most importantly, that both Keyes and Miller emphasized: No functionality of the boat launch will be lost with this plan. No parking spaces will be removed; the boat ramp and queuing lane will remain as they are now. Gravel areas will be added to existing planting beds for crab cleaning and cooking. A new automated fee station will make it easier for fishermen and Day Use visitors.
The conceptual plan created by Roger Miller, Chairman of the Netarts Enhancement Committee (and a former landscape designer). The goal of the plan is to add landscaping, educational opportunities, and functionality to the areas surrounding the Boat Launch and parking lot. Several gardens, consisting largely of native plants, are envisioned for existing grass areas. A large sitting area and gazebo will provide residents and visitors with space for picnics, open-air festivals, and concerts. New ADA-compliant pathways will allow easy access to the botanical gardens and sitting areas. The new plantings will be installed and maintained by members of the Netarts community.
Here is the presentation provided by the Netarts Enhancement Committee that shows the vision for the nature park:
The budget for the project has not been finalized, but will likely be about $185,000. Tillamook County Parks is contributing $25,000 and Tillamook County has allocated TLT funds of $80,000, with the remainder to come from private fundraising. The Netarts Bay Enhancement Fund has been established to provide a way for donors to contribute financially to this project. It is sponsored by Tillamook County Parks Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization. Miller has pledged to match donations dollar for dollar up to $35,000.
The project has moved from the “planning stages” into the approval and permitting process. The group hopes to begin some construction, plantings and more later this Fall. For updates and more information go to http://netartscac.org/nature-park-and-boat-landing
