SOAP LAKE — In a bid to enhance recreational amenities and boost tourism, the city of Soap Lake is currently undertaking upgrades to both its dog park and the Smokiam Campground. Mayor Peter Sharp elaborated on these enhancements, citing community engagement and improved safety as primary motivators behind the initiatives. 

“We want to create an environment that is both appealing and safe for families and their pets,” said Sharp. “The current dog park has served the community well, but it's time for some significant improvements to ensure that it meets the needs of our growing population.” 

The enhancements to the dog park will include an expansion of its footprint, featuring two separate play areas for dogs. This change is designed to accommodate more families and their pets simultaneously. “Currently, dog owners have to wait for others to leave before they can enter the park,” Sharp said. “By creating two distinct areas, we can provide more space and a better experience for everyone.” 

In addition to the newly-designated play areas, the upgraded dog park will incorporate amenities such as water access and various topographical features, including hills and mounds.  

“We want to make the park more engaging and fun for dogs,” Sharp said. “These enhancements will allow for an environment where dogs can run freely and interact in a stimulating setting.” 

The city's efforts extend beyond the dog park to the Smokiam Campground, a recreational site that draws tourists from around the region. The campground is undergoing revitalization, which includes replacing pedestal hookups, upgrading restrooms, and enhancing the overall site security.  

“We are putting in new bathrooms with stainless steel fixtures, and we will have better fencing and security cameras installed,” Sharp said. “Our goal is to modernize the campground while ensuring that it is a safe place for all visitors.” 

Sharp said the city will be installing a new fence that will have key card access for first responders and visitors, which will make the space more secure for campers. There will also be cameras installed to allow the site to be more carefully monitored.  

Furthermore, the city is introducing new monthly reservation rates, which Sharp said he believes will promote longer stays and increased visitor satisfaction.  

“By implementing a monthly rate, we can provide a more cost-effective option for families wanting to spend extended time enjoying the lakes and the surrounding area,” he said. “We've noticed that many visitors want to extend their stay.” 

As part of the ongoing updates, the campground will see the introduction of Wi-Fi access, which Sharp anticipates will further attract visitors, especially families who may wish to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors.  

“We understand that in today’s digital world, connectivity is essential,” he said. “Providing Wi-Fi will make it easier for campers to plan their daily activities while staying at Smokiam.” 

Soap Lake's unique mineral-rich waters are a significant draw for tourists, particularly families with children dealing with skin ailments such as eczema and rosacea.  

“We've seen an increase in visitors who come specifically for the therapeutic benefits that our waters offer,” Sharp said. “This makes it even more imperative for us to enhance our facilities and promote our natural resources.” 

All of the upgrades have been made by Soap Lake Public Works, according to Sharp, which is saving the city money. 

“Obviously, when you do constantly go out and you bring a third party in and evaluate wages, it costs us a little bit more,” Shar said. “But we have public works and since it is city property, the maintenance and upkeep are able to be done with public works. We have a lot of extra spare parts already on hand because we take care of other restrooms and other property.” 

Sharp said the campground is the city’s biggest source of tourism revenue, so it’s important to keep up with maintenance. Sharp said he has received several compliments from campers so far, appreciating the upgrades and cleanliness of the site. 

Additionally, Sharp mentioned that the city plans to update signage throughout Soap Lake to better showcase the campground and local attractions.  

“We're working on creating a comprehensive map that will highlight not just the campground but also local businesses and attractions that make Soap Lake a unique destination,” he said. “Not only will this improve awareness of what we offer, but it will also make it easier for our visitors to navigate the area.” 

These projects signal a commitment to improving community facilities and enhancing the quality of life in Soap Lake, Sharp said. He said the city also recognizes the need for inclusivity, with plans to produce multilingual signage to ensure that visitors from diverse backgrounds can access information easily. 

“We want everyone to feel welcome in our city,” Sharp said. “By providing clear and accessible information, we hope to engage with every visitor and resident.” 

    The City of Soap Lake is working on upgrading its dog park. The park will expand, taking over more land and a secondary fence and gate will be added to accommodate more visitors.