Everett Parks and Community Services 6/25/2019

enthusiasts, kayakers and those who want to enjoy the beauty of its natural setting. The west side of the island is one of the best locations to learn kite boarding in the Pacific Northwest. Kite boarders from around the region come to the island to learn, practice, and compete. Jetty Island features prominently as one of the best tourist attractions in the Pacific Northwest: Yelp, Trip Advisor, Wikipedia, Sunset Magazine, 1889, and the Snohomish County Tourism and Port of Everett websites. Family oriented websites such as Parent Map wrote an article on the island in July of 2018. Adventurer websites such as Roadtrippers and the Washington Trail Association encourage those looking for an outdoor adventure to visit. Local newspapers such as the Seattle Times and Everett Herald have featured the Jetty Island experience in their local sections over the years. King 5 featured Jetty Island and the City of Everett in their "Best of the Burbs" segment and Jetty Island has its own Wikipedia page! All of the above media attention brings visitors from around the region to visit Jetty Island. Jetty Island Days operates from July 5th through Labor Day. This seven day a week operation provides tourist and citizen access to one of the most pristine beach settings in our region. The City of Everett contracts with Argosy Cruises of Seattle to provide ferry service from the Port of Everett to Jetty Island. The Queens Launch is a Coast Guard certified passenger ferry with a capacity for 60 patrons. During the busiest times of summer, it makes four trips an hour to and from the island and is the only means of access for people who do not own their own watercraft. The contract to operate the ferry is the largest expense for the Jetty Island program. To recoup some cost, donations are accepted. In 2018, $15,810 was donated by patrons, which equates to just $.51 per ferry passenger. Since we do not charge for the Jetty Island experience, we attract a diverse population from different cultural and economic backgrounds. Our free service allows families to enjoy the educational and recreation benefits of the island and many will patronize local restaurants and shops at the Port of Everett before or after their Jetty Island experience. For over 30 years, exploring Jetty Island has been a favorite summertime tradition in Everett, signaling the beginning of summer. This island paradise draws visitors of all kinds, from adventurers to families. Many of these visitors patronize shops, restaurants, and venues throughout the city. Jetty Island's economic and cultural impact in Everett is extraordinary. 4