Construction on the Marina Park Boat launch is scheduled to be complete this week, with an opening tentatively set for Saturday.

Inclement weather may further delay the opening, as rain could affect the curing of the concrete. If this happens, the launch will open the following week.

The renovated boat launch will be equipped with a new option for boaters eager to get out on the water.

“We’re excited to offer a new direct pay station for single-use passes,” said Kirkland recreation manager Linda Murphy in a city press release. “Although boaters can still purchase annual passes at our office, single-use access can be paid for directly at Marina Park Boat launch.”

Boat launch access through the pay station will cost $10 for each one-way use of the launch (i.e. $10 in and $10 out), payable with a debit or credit card. One-way launch passes are no longer available for purchase at the Parks and Community Services office and are now only available at the boat launch pay station.

Boaters will continue to have the opportunity to purchase boat launch seasonal cards, which are available at the Parks and Community Services office in the lower level of Kirkland City Hall, located at 123 5th Ave. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To purchase a resident seasonal card, Kirkland residents must bring proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a driver’s license, Washington state ID card, utility bill or tax statement in the applicant’s name with a Kirkland address. Non-resident seasonal cards are available by credit or debit card at the office.

“Before this year’s renovations, boaters had to pay for all passes at the Parks Department office,” Murphy said in the release. “This was a major inconvenience for many boaters who only wanted single-use access. By adding the pay station, we’ve made it easier for boaters to get out on the lake.”

Reconstruction work on the Marina Park Boat Launch has been delayed by record-setting rainfall. Because of the delay in opening, Parks and Community Services reduced the regular rate of the 2017 Kirkland resident seasonal card from $60 to $50 and the non-resident seasonal card from $120 to $100. Seasonal cards will be valid from the date of issue until Oct. 31, and they operate just like a credit or debit card at the boat launch pay station.

There is no charge for use of Kirkland’s boat launch during the months of November through March.

Boat trailer parking is available at Heritage Park until 11 p.m. and at Kirkland City Hall on weekends. Unless otherwise posted, leaving detached parking boat trailers on city streets or in parks is illegal.

Visit the Kirkland Marina Dock webpage for more information.