Quarantining campers boost Boyer attendance

Jana Mathia, Whitman County Gazette | Nov 12, 20200

COLFAX — Despite an early rash of cancellations, Boyer Park and Marina saw above average attendance this summer providing a place for many to enjoy quarantining.

“In the beginning, we were a little bit nervous,” Monica Omstead, Boyer Park and Marina manager, said.

When the state shutdowns were enacted and activities canceled, Boyer fielded many calls pulling out of reservations for WSU game weekends and Mom’s Weekend.

When camping was cleared as a COVID-safe activity, people realized they could “quarantine here,” Omstead said.

The season outlook did an about-face and topped last year by an estimated at least 30%.

“It’s been a great season,” Omstead said.

Omstead and her husband manage the now KOA-run park. They consider Memorial Day weekend the beginning of the summer camping season. In 2019, that weekend was 75-90% full. This year was 100% full. It set a precedent and weekends through September were 90-100% full, many times with a waiting list.

Weekday attendance at the park was “significantly higher,” according to Omstead. Last year, the park was usually around 25% full Mondays through Thursdays. Weekday attendance this year was closer to 50%.

“Just a lot of people wanting to get away,” Omstead said.

The Omsteads were ready to increase attendance by having more to offer this summer:

• Paddle boat and kayak rentals in the marina

• Adult trikes and bicycles rentals for the trails

• Electric cart rentals for people with mobility issues

This year local bands came to play, July 4th had a fireworks show, and the park hosted its first pancake breakfast.

Summer camping season is past and the store and restaurant closed Nov. 1. But the campground remains open and Omstead is already seeing an increase in the number of fishermen returning.

Fishermen and hunters utilize the campground over the winter. The Omsteads converted an outbuilding into a secure and monitored storage for the fishermen. It serves a duel purpose in providing a service to the fishers and helps to keep the park tidier.