From an historic logging community to big yachts, small boats, a public boat launch, boat shows, fishing and fun festivals. Des Moines identity changed with the grand opening of Des Moines Marina, May 10th, 1970.

Recently the marina has changed again - not for the better, some say. There is no public boat launch, only three businesses survive in the marina, and the whole place is torn up with construction.

Walking is in a fenced area away from the water and hundreds of people who came to the marina are now seldom seen.

My little dog, Miss Katrina is not happy with possibility of meeting face-to-face with a pit bull dog in this fenced area without immediate escape option.

Still we must believe this marina will be restored as good or better.

Folks with boats they can no longer launch here may not agree.

The Des Moines Marina made this town a welcome berth for boaters. New stores, some stocked with marine supplies located downtown such as Fishery Supply, Seattle Marine and Fishing, Napa Auto Parts, True Value Hardware, Johnny's IGA, state liquor store, Molly's boat upholstering, a carpet store, and Butler's Auto repair shop where Butler's restaurant is now.

Within the marina was the well-stocked Quartermaster grocery store with fishing and boating supplies, including an in-water live bait shack.

Soon downtown was bustling with marine related businesses, restaurants, gas stations and people services. Folks were coming to town, renting marina slips, spending money to launch their trailer boats, and fishing was fantastic.

The scenery is terrific from the bow of a boat or the 1980 dedicated fishing pier. New revenue and new businesses came easily with the local Chamber of Commerce working with the city to promote tourism and events. How perfect is that!

Today, many of those small businesses are gone. Big warehouse business took some and the changing economics has its impacts.

When the city bought the Quartermaster Store and three adjoining houses located in the marina, (located near the bank where boats are now stored,) city officials promptly hired a wrecking ball.

I never understood the logic in destroying those buildings, including the Chamber of Commerce building. Why couldn't the buildings be rented generating income until city officials agreed on what to build?

A chain restaurant was proposed nearby that didn't developed. Still it's always wise to listen for the "other shoe" to drop.

Classic Yachts, a powerboat sales office in the marina, is a small, unique floating boathouse. Owners Stan Wilkes and Arlene Knight are working hard to continue providing service to customers trying to survive the economy hit, and now impacts of marina construction.

Clients find the unpredictable access to Classic Yachts to be a challenge.

Anthony's Homeport Restaurant and CSR Boat yard are the other remaining marina businesses.

In case you wondered, "Des Moines Marina is entirely self-supporting. It is paid for by its' users. Des Moines resident's taxes do not support their marina," former Mayor Richard Kennedy confirmed in the history book, "100 Years of the Waterland Community."

Credit those who in the past created this winning idea and plan.

A 1981 Downtown Revitalization Program was authorized by city leaders to learn how to consolidate business in a commercial area and keep it from intruding on residential areas. And how to improve the marina area, keep business in the downtown area, and attract new businesses.

The report suggested aesthetic improvements, such as landscaping, sidewalks, parks, trash receptacles, gateway to the city and marina.

A "Buy a Bench" program produced 28 benches for pedestrian seating in 1989. Today there are many more.

About 13 of original businesses catering to boating and support are gone. New ones arrived. Today's economy has resulted in about 30 percent sales drop, it's said. How long can they hang-on? What can be done?

"Destination Des Moines" (DDM) is non-profit made up of business owners and citizens. Operating a small business alone is time-consuming, laced with taxes and required written reports, yet, these folks volunteer.

I wonder if the new Discover Burien Director, Steve Gilbert has a twin who would lend a hand in Des Moines? That would be ever-so welcome.

Meantime, remember yesterday with thanks, look to tomorrow with hope, and plan on smiling lots --cause it's contagious. Dreams come true.