MOSES LAKE — The Trail Planning Team of Moses Lake received a grant to rehabilitate Calbom Island, the only island park in Moses Lake.

The $1,000 grant was awarded from the American Canoe Association and L.L. Bean in late August, said trail Co-Chair Joe Rogers.

“Calbom Island is the central feature of the Moses Lake Water Trail system,” he explained. “Located between Lewis and Parker Horn, across from Cascade Valley, the island is five acres of natural wildlife habitat.”

The island was dedicated to Moses Lake in September 2000, in memory of Attorney John Calbom. A plaque and two wooden tables were situated at the site in his honor.

Over the years, the tables deteriorated and the picnic area became overgrown. The funds are being used to refurbish the area.

“We are grateful to the Trail Planning Team for going after a grant to enhance Calbom park,” stated city Recreation Superintendent Lori Moholt-Phillips. “Since the island is only accessible by boat and difficult to reach in the winter when we do a lot of maintenance, it does not get the attention we lavish on our other parks.”

Volunteers will help maintain the area.

“Moses Lake Park Superintendent Roland Gonzales, is involved of course, and the Columbia Basin Job Corp will fabricate two picnic tables,” Rogers stated. “To haul this back and forth to the island, Moses Lake Irrigation and (Rehabilitation) District is going to lend us a pontoon boat. It’s a real community project.”

He said they are not yet decided if the picnic tables will be concrete or steel. ?On Friday, a group from the trail team and the parks and recreation department took a boat trip to the island to evaluate it. Rogers said they were determining what areas would be refurbished. He said the majority of the island will be left natural while the area with the picnic tables will most likely have wood chips on the ground.

The project is expected to be complete in June, 2010, stated trail Co-Chair Mike Riggs.

“At its southern end, the island has a small undeveloped docking area, perfect for canoes and kayaks and a nice shaded, but rustic picnic site with two tables,” Rogers stated. “Perfect for bird watching throughout the year, the game department prohibits foot traffic beyond the picnic area during the spring nesting time.”