At Grant PUD, we take pride in maintaining the natural beauty and accessibility of our recreation areas along the Columbia River. Our dedicated maintenance crews work tirelessly to ensure that visitors can enjoy clean, safe, and updated facilities year-round. We wanted to share the efforts that go into keeping Grant PUD’s recreation areas in top shape. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at their work, paired with some photos of our crews in action.
A Year-Round Commitment to Cleanliness
Our maintenance crews are out there every day during the busy summer season, picking up trash and ensuring the recreation areas are ready for visitors. On weekends, when campgrounds and beaches see the most traffic, daily cleanups are a must. Throughout the year, we average weekly cleanups to keep things tidy. Whether it’s a big garbage haul or small litter, our team is on it.
The crew size fluctuates with the seasons. In winter, a core team of three keeps things running smoothly. Come summer, we ramp up to a maximum of 10 crew members to handle the peak season. Starting in April, our seasonal staff join the team, ensuring there’s always someone available to assist visitors and maintain our facilities.
Diligent Care for Campers
For our campers, we go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay. Our crews clean bathrooms and dump trash Friday through Monday during peak season, so facilities stay fresh and ready for use over the weekend. Reserved campsites are clearly marked and updated routinely to avoid confusion, making it easy for everyone to find their campsite.
You’ll easily see our approachable crew members in their high-visibility orange shirts, always ready to lend a hand or answer questions. They’re not just maintaining the parks—they’re here to make your visit enjoyable, helping when they can.
Help Us Keep Our Parks Beautiful
While our crews work hard to maintain our recreation areas, we need your help to keep them pristine. Here are our top five tips for visitors, inspired by our park rules:
- No Glass on Beaches: Broken glass poses a safety hazard and can harm wildlife..
- Be Courteous: Keep noise levels down and ensure pets or loud noises aren’t disturbing fellow campers. Quiet hours help everyone enjoy their stay.
- Pick Up Trash: Pack out what you pack in. Look for Grant PUD’s white “Pack It In, Pack It Out” boater bags available at multiple recreation sites.
- Use Trash Bins, Not Toilets: Please don’t put trash in vault toilets—it clogs systems and creates extra work for our crews.
- Leave No Trace: Whether you’re camping, boating, or hiking, take all your belongings with you to preserve the natural beauty.
We’ve noticed some issues with trash being left in vault toilets, which can disrupt sanitation efforts. By following these simple guidelines, you can help our crews focus on keeping the parks in great shape.
A Team Effort
From daily cleanups to major overhauls, our maintenance crews are the backbone of Grant PUD’s recreation areas. Their hard work ensures that locals an
d visitors alike can enjoy the Columbia River’s beauty year-round. Next time you’re at any of our sites, give a nod to the folks in orange shirts—and consider grabbing one of our “Pack It In, Pack It Out” bags to do your part.
Have photos or stories from your visit to our recreation areas? Share them with us at [email protected] or tag us on social media. Together, we can keep these spaces beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
