Recreation Ambassador Weekend Report - 7/17 & 18

Recreation Ambassador Program – Weekend Report 7/18 – 7/19

Weekend Summary:

Our ambassadors reported a busy weekend with 2,546 interactions. Both River and Forest locations were fully staffed Saturday and Sunday. The Upper Valley Historical Society covered the three Forest Service locations (Icicle Gorge, Eightmile Trailhead, and Colchuck/Stuart Lake Trailhead). The Leavenworth Lions Club covered the three River locations (Barn Beach, East Leavenworth Boat Launch, and the Bridge River Access/Icicle Bridge Put-in).

Surveys showed the river and riverbanks were very clean, with only one report of clothing items and sunglasses found in the river. There was one report of a louder crowd with speakers. Parking was noted as a struggle at the Bridge River Access park, and many people continue to park along Icicle Road. The majority of respondents said they've heard about the city shuttle.

The main concern at trailheads continues to be the bathrooms, which have been overused and are now a common complaint among hikers and ambassadors alike. Ambassadors at each trailhead added extra toilet paper, since supplies were running low. Parking remains a struggle at the trailheads as well — ambassadors reported more cars parked there in the morning than on other weekends. Dogs were another recurring concern; ambassadors continue to educate guests on which trails allow dogs, but many visitors didn't follow the guidance when heading to Eightmile Trail.

Volunteer Impact:

• Visitor Interactions: Weekend Total – 2,546

• Surveys Conducted: 36

• Trash Removed: 3, 30 Gallon Bags

Survey Highlights (18 respondents):

Visitor Origin:

• 15.38% of river users surveyed were local. 84.62% of the river users surveyed were non-local.

• 8.70% of trail users surveyed were local. 91.30% of trail users surveyed were not local, with visitors from New Jersey, Chicago, Louisiana, and Virginia.

Recreation Type:

• 21.74% of hikers went to Colchuck, 30.42% of hikers went to Icicle Gorge, and 47.83% of hikers 8 mile.

• 0% rafters, 23.08% kayakers, 23.08% paddleboard, and 53.85% were tubers.

Conditions Reported:

• Multiple surveyors complained of trash on the trail, with majority of respondents saying the trail was well maintained.

• Majority of surveyors said the shores and river were clean, with a couple companies of shirts and sunglasses left in the river.

Post-Recreation Plans:

• 46.15% of respondents planned to visit a restaurant after their float, 46.15% plan to go home/lodge and 7.69% other.

• 37.5% of respondents planned to visit a restaurant after their float, 25% plan to go home/lodge, 25% other recreation, 8.33% shopping, and 4.17% other.

Transportation & Parking

• 69.23% of river users surveyed had previously heard about the City’s free river shuttle, they heard about it from locals and online. 30.77% did not know about it prior to their trip.

• Of the users surveyed 8.5% Walked or biked, 30.8% used the shuttle, 15.4% used personal vehicles, and 15.3% other.

For more information, please email Miranda at Recreation@leavenworth.org