Have you visited the City of Des Moines lately and wondered what the heck happened here, other than an incredibly active wrecking ball?

If there isn't yellow plastic "keep out' banners at favorite stopping places, surely those dreadful orange traffic cones/barrels are nearby.
Construction and man-made facilities today are not conducive to inspiring local folks or visitors. Still, Des Moines has a treasured heritage of natural beauty, and we must believe the intent of this seemingly construction war-zone justifies the means.

Nature's beauty is magnificent in many directions; the rolling jagged peaks of the Olympic Mountains, stately beauty of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound as ships pass by, and blazing sunsets of orange and black glistening off silver white-cap waves make breathtaking views.
While Nature is still in business, mankind's contributions materialize as "gone bonkers."

Des Moines Marina is torn up with construction.

Federally-recognized historical Beach Park is in disarray with existing public buildings unusable to citizens, except for the Founders Lodge Camp KHAOS summer kids program and occasional rental.

Even signs on that window read - "restrooms not for public use." Public toilets for years are two outdoor models.

Picnic tables and adjacent meadow areas were primarily for camp use and seemingly sidelined general public weekday use. On the plus side, KHAOS generates city revenue and provides a good service.

The closed former Beach Park Senior Center dining hall's years of foundation problems are fixed now thanks to federal funding. Yet it will not open until next year's city budget allows final work.

The marina is a hub of varied activities. Where the city's small boat storage yard now exists was a store stocked with supplies for boaters, fishermen, and walkers alike.

Locals met for coffee, fishing derbies and supplies. Not now. The store met the wrecking ball and shambles shortly after the city purchased the property.

This year, city officials reclaimed the only small marina restaurant property, where the former Port Hole, Breakers and Milluzzo's operated. The wrecking ball was not far behind the purchase.

Coin machines near the boat launch are the only snack resource now. The public boat launch is scheduled for destruction soon.
Long gone is the "Touch and Go" dock. once used for boat boarding.

Other than a water fountain and (thankfully) use of restrooms, marina walking does not offer general public convenience facilities.
Easy downtown walking has repeatedly been a desired city goal. Sidewalks tie these elements together, yet scattered uneven concrete makes walking difficult and tripping possible.

As Loral Pritchett wrote in her 09.02 Times/News letter to the editor, "The link that brings neighborhoods together and keeps them safe are sidewalks."

The good news is planned "Municipal Capital Improvements," in the July City Manager's report. Grant money was secured, including Field House Park baseball field expansion and $420,000 of Washington State Heritage Capital Projects Fund for replacement of the historic grandstand.

Downtown area development was studied for years, and recent U of W Architecture graduates' suggested plan combines with city council development discussions to understand what businesses require for success.

Beach Park's large auditorium is scheduled for rehabilitation; underway are efforts to rescue Mt. Rainier Pool. Des Moines Trail will be paved and city sidewalks will hopefully be upgraded with inviting amenities prospering local businesses.

Harbormaster Joe Dusenbury reports newly installed water main and sewer lines will now service docks and marina buildings and replacing the north marina bulkhead begins soon.

Check out the city's Web site and city manager's report at www.desmoineswa.gov.

Meantime, Dr. Scott Andrews, a local resident, continues developing his downtown prime properties, such as China Sea. He set design standards of his own when there were none.

While this column cites current negative impacts experienced by residents and visitors, especially during construction, it also recognizes well-planned ambitious improvements in progress accomplished by city staff and city council in acquiring grant money funding, a tremendous achievement of foresightedness and teamwork.

After the pain of construction and restrictions for both boaters and public park use, this waterfront could again be an award-winning jewel.
Sometimes we have to tear down to build up. Yet, like childbirth -- the best times are when the birth itself is just a memory!

Today's Thought: "He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help." (Abraham Lincoln)