Freeland Chamber of Commerce

Port Adds Kisok Financial Backing

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Efforts to establish a tourism kiosk at Ken's Corner got a big boost Wednesday night when the Port District of South Whidbey commissioners voted unanimously to contribute $10,000 toward the project.

The kiosk, scheduled to open in mid-April, is a joint project of the Freeland and Langley Chambers of Commerce and the South Whidbey Rotary.  The kiosk, however, will be promoting tourism opportunities all over the South End of Whidbey Island.

 Members of the Rotary will be working in March to clean up the area, while the Chambers work to get actual operation underway.

 "I want to thank the commissioners for helping us with this project," said Todd Bitts of Coldwell Banker Tara Properties after the meeting.  Bitts was at the meeting in behalf of both the Freeland Chamber and the Rotary.

 Langley Chamber Executive Director Nancy Rowan told the commission the kiosk was important to economic development because while many tourists travel through the southern part of the island, "Our goal is to get them to stop on the south end."

 The commission was able to make the contribution from funds earmarked for economic development with the Port District boundaries.

 Representatives of both Chambers pointed out the large numbers of tourists who seek out the Chamber's, "hard to find" offices for information on what to do, where to eat and even where to stay.  Having a kiosk at the first traffic light after leaving the ferry will be a visible opportunity to pass on that information.

 Bitts explained to the commissioners that the material for the decking, would cost approximately $10,000.  Among other things, the decking will make the kiosk accessible to wheelchairs, as required by federal law.  He said while many local merchants were willing to offer discounts for materials, the commission's help would help make sure the project finishes on time.

 Bitts pointed out how the community is getting behind the effort, explaining that Scott Lincoln of Lincoln Computers has agreed to provide a computer and printer, while Whidbey Telecom is providing telephone and Internet access.

 Rowan told the board the area would be similar to a small park Rotary built in Port Townsend that many people walk through as they leave the Keystone-Port Townsend ferry.  She said she hopes the area will be, "a little garden stop where people can stop and pick up maps."  Initial plans call for the kiosk to be staffed Friday through Sunday, with staffing to expand as tourism picks up.  Maps and other material will be available anytime.