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Ruby Beach reopens after upgrades

Published 1:30 am Thursday, September 22, 2022

The new parking area is quite an upgrade from the old gravel area that visitors previously used. Photos Terry Breedlove
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The new parking area is quite an upgrade from the old gravel area that visitors previously used. Photos Terry Breedlove

The new parking area is quite an upgrade from the old gravel area that visitors previously used. Photos Terry Breedlove
Additional parking is located from the highway entry into the main parking area. New ramps for those with mobility issues were also installed to the viewing platform.

By Peninsula Daily News

The Ruby Beach parking area and access road at Olympic National Park have reopened after a three-month closure.

Ruby Beach reopened on Wednesday after it was closed to the public in June 2022 for construction work to upgrade accessibility.

The work was done by 2Grade Excavation & Development, LLC, of Port Angeles on a $910,985 contract.

The parking area and its access road were graded and paved. Curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, and steps were installed to put it into compliance with Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards.

New signs, bike racks, and pavement markings were added. A newly installed storm drainage system aims to reduce bluff erosion. Additionally, nearby restrooms were painted and repaired.

“We are so happy to welcome visitors back to Ruby Beach, and we appreciate their patience during the summer closure,” Lisa Turecek, facility manager.

“Olympic National Park is a place for everyone to experience and connect with nature. These new improvements to the Ruby Beach parking area, overlooks, and trailhead will improve accessibility and help preserve this beautiful area.”

For more about Ruby Beach, which is located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula, see https://go.nps.gov/rubybeach.

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