Lake Sylvia pavilion work progressing

Foundation is set with goal of finishing in October.

July 18, 2019 1:30 am
(Photo courtesy Helen Hepp, Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia) Workers smooth cement for the foundation of a new pavilion at Lake Sylvia in Montesano. The pavilion is designed to be used year-round. New bathrooms and improvements to accessability also will be constructed.
(Photo courtesy Helen Hepp, Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia) Workers smooth cement for the foundation of a new pavilion at Lake Sylvia in Montesano. The pavilion is designed to be used year-round. New bathrooms and improvements to accessability also will be constructed.

A new pavilion is going in at Lake Sylvia State Park.

“The Lake Sylvia Legacy Project will create an extended season pavilion with (1,100 square feet) of enclosable space and over (3,000 square feet) under cover,” Will Foster of Street Lundgren and Foster Architects said in an email. “The structure will consist of a heavy timber roof with broad eaves supported by large cedar columns that were logged from the site to make way for the new pavilion.”

Construction of the pavilion is expected to be done in October. New restrooms will be placed near the pavilion, and there will be “fully accessible pathways and parking improvements.”

“During the warmer months the pavilion will be open on three sides to reveal a panoramic view of Lake Sylvia. When inclement weather strikes, sliding panels will enclose the space,” Foster wrote. “The interior will focus on a massive stone fireplace that will echo historic park structures and provide a welcoming setting for family gatherings, private weddings and public events.”

In its advertisement for bid made in March, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission expected the project to cost between $600,000 and $700,000.

Foster said the construction cost is $985,000.

The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks (FOSLS) gave $200,000 to State Parks to help fund the project. FOSLS’ website says Rep. Jim Walsh (R.-Aberdeen) helped secure a state Department of Commerce grant for about $650,000 for the project.

FOSLS is planning to do some landscaping around the building. They hope to focus “on native plants found in Lake Sylvia State Park,” FOSLS member Helen Hepp said in an email. “A committee of Master Gardeners is helping. There will be a major planting party this fall, probably in October, where volunteers could help.

People interested in helping out or donating “extra native plants” including ferns, Hepp says to call her at 360-249-2573 and leave a message with your name and phone number.

(Photo courtesy Helen Hepp, Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia) Workers unload cement from a cement truck for the foundation of a new pavilion at Lake Sylvia in Montesano. The pavilion is designed to be used year-round. New bathrooms and improvements to accessability also will be constructed.

(Photo courtesy Helen Hepp, Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia) Workers unload cement from a cement truck for the foundation of a new pavilion at Lake Sylvia in Montesano. The pavilion is designed to be used year-round. New bathrooms and improvements to accessability also will be constructed.

(Photo courtesy Helen Hepp, Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia) Workers pour cement for the foundation of a new pavilion at Lake Sylvia in Montesano. The pavilion is designed to be used year-round. New bathrooms and improvements to accessability also will be constructed.

(Photo courtesy Helen Hepp, Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia) Workers pour cement for the foundation of a new pavilion at Lake Sylvia in Montesano. The pavilion is designed to be used year-round. New bathrooms and improvements to accessability also will be constructed.