SHOWER FACILITY TO IMPROVE IDEAL AIRFIELD FOR EXPLORING OLYMPICS REGION

RAF Washington Liaison Ray Ballantyne received an RAF grant to install a vault toilet and shower at Olympic Airfield, WA45 near Port Townsend, WA near a camping area among the trees. A water landing area lies parallel to the turf 2,759-ft runway, and there is a pond and dock where small seaplanes can be secured.

“This project will provide first class accommodations and sanitation to a beautiful grass field and float pond on the edge of the San Juan Islands and Olympic National Park in Washington State,” Ballantyne said.

RAF supporter Jay PerryCook will provide labor, tools and equipment. Olympic Airfield is on private land, and the owners are gladly cooperating. They offered assistance and an excavator; and will provide a water source for the shower. Ballantyne will organize volunteers and oversee the project, expecting completion by the end of August.

Looking ahead, Ballantyne has planned ongoing maintenance and will create a volunteer schedule to stock supplies, remove trash, and ensure things remain clean and functional.

“The addition of this facility and the donated RAF fire ring makes this a premier camp spot for both land planes and small seaplanes that wish to visit the Olympic Mountains and the San Juan Islands,” Ballantyne added. 

See Olympic’s listing in the Airfield Guide including contact information for permission.

Submitted on May 30, 2024
By Carmine Mowbray