This weekend is a big one in Richland as hundreds of spectators converge in Howard Amon Park for three (3) full days of hydroplane racing on the Columbia River. This also means there will be a boat launch and river access closures and a park detour, Thursday through Sunday, June 23 – 26, 2022. (See attached river closure map or link to www.ci.richland.wa.us/news.)
The North Howard Amon Boat Launch will close to the public beginning Thursday at 7:00 a.m. through Sunday evening for boats, crews, and event staff use. Recreational boaters can launch at Leslie Groves or Columbia Point Marina. The small stretch of Lee Boulevard, from Amon Park Drive to the riverfront will also close at this time.
The Columbia River will close to traffic in both directions each morning at approximately 7:00 a.m. and reopen each evening around 6:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday, June 24 – 26, 2022. This closure will begin north of the Howard Amon Boat Launch and end just north of the Columbia Point Marina. Restrictions include both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. For more information on river closures visit the United States Coast Guard “Local Notice to Mariners” page: https://bit.ly/USCGMarineNotices.
Amon Park Drive, from Newton Street to the Fingernail will close to motorized traffic but open for bicyclists and pedestrians. Parking is available off Lee Boulevard behind the Fingernail and at the Richland Community Center.
Entrance to the event is free. There will be food and beverage vendors.
For more information visit the Northwest Powerboat Association’s website at www.nwpba.com or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/northwestpowerboatassoc.