MUKILTEO, Washington (21 Apr 2009) — Council president Randy Lord called it right when he predicted Monday's revisit of the city's ban on diving at Lighthouse Park would be a short discussion. For the four councilmembers present, reversing the ban was as much of a no-brainer as instituting it was back in August. What changed since then? Several dozen passionate divers testifying to the beauty beneath the surface off of Mukilteo's shores, the group's knowledge of its sport and willingness to abide by city safety standards, and the divers' pledge to help Mukilteo realize its new dream of becoming a dive destination. It didn't hurt either when several divers testified to their habit of gathering to swap dive stories over a meal, potentially bringing needed revenue to Old Town businesses. "It's normal to spend a huge number of calories diving in cold water and carrying all of that gear," George Barron told the council. "We look for a quick meal nearby." "Needless to say, we were overjoyed with the City Council's vote," diver John Rawlings said. "I'm sure that the diving community looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the city of Mukilteo that will benefit everyone." Councilmember Emily Vanderwielen explained that her original support of the dive ban was based on personal experience of being with people who didn't follow safe diving protocol, such as not separating from their dive buddies. The council praised the divers for their courtesy and professionalism throughout the process, as well as their dedication – many drove long distances to attend the meetings when the dive ban was on the agenda. "I was delighted at how it was a very respectful dialogue, and it very quickly became an opportunity to right a wrong," council president Randy Lord said. "I also noticed that everyone who spoke tonight lives outside of Mukilteo – it's important to note that Lighthouse Park is a regional asset." It's very telling, Lord added, that the divers "not only bring their tanks, but also bring their wallets." Council vice president Kevin Stoltz and councilmembers Jennifer Gregerson and Richard Emery were absent, but had voiced their support previously for reversing the ban. Stoltz and Lord even attended the Parks and Arts Commission meeting April 2 – where the divers collected another unanimous vote in their favor – to lend their support and present Lord's suggestion of packaging Mukilteo as a dive destination. Lord, who also serves as chairman of the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival board this year, would like to see diving-related activities tied into the festival, such as dive demonstrations and divers outfitted with cameras to show in real time what they see below the surface. Recreation and Cultural Services Manager Jennifer Berner told the council she's changed her outlook after hearing from the divers as well. "Talking with the Washington Insurance Authority at the time, there were several reasons why not to allow diving," she said, referring to the popular boat launch, the ferry landing and the recent upgrades that have greatly increased the park's popularity with all types of users. | | Lighthouse Park: Scuba divers applauded today's unanimous decision by the Mukilteo City Council to reverse a ban on scuba diving at Lighthouse Park. "I think we all learned a lot through this process; I know I did." Berner, like most of us who haven't yet experienced the joy of diving among the diverse, colorful and lively sea life off the shores of Mukilteo, said she had no idea of the number of divers who used Lighthouse Park. "After hearing from the scuba divers, taking this to the park board and talking further with the WIA, we're asking, how can we make this work for all of us?" she said. The solution? The city will post signs warning that there's no lifeguard on duty and that divers go in at their own risk. The city also proposed, with strong support from the divers, that there be a 100-yard buffer zone around the boat launch. At the suggestion of Lord, a fourth element is in the mix – the city is now investigating the potential of an underwater park somewhere in Mukilteo. Barron said the underwater park doesn't have to be off the shores of Lighthouse Park. "Several other places would be good, if not even better than Lighthouse Park," he said. Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine promised the divers that the city would consult with them before making any decisions on the dive park. Berner said the potential underwater park would be factored into the city's shoreline management plan and there is already communication underway between the divers and the volunteer Beach Watchers. Planning commissioner James Brice said he strongly supports lifting the dive ban and exploring the possibility of an underwater park, but he reminded the divers of the limited parking close to the shore and the need for everyone to share. by Rebecca Carr |
