Campers will soon enjoy updated utilities at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds in Langley.

Later this month, renovations are slated to begin on the fairgrounds campground. According to a press release from the Port of South Whidbey, the project, beginning Feb. 24, includes installing new water lines and upgrading electrical pedestals used at each campsite.

A new 8-inch water main will connect the fairgrounds campus to the campground, and each campsite will get new spigots. A new fire hydrant will also be added to the property.

A total of 20 electrical pedestals will go with each campsite, with varying levels of power. These include 30 amp and 20 amp outlets on all posts and seven posts with 50 amp outlets.

The port plans for the work to be completed by the beginning of April, just in time for spring. Western Refinery Services has been awarded the $291,505 contract for construction.

Executive Director Angi Mozer acknowledged that while some electrical work was conducted on the campground last summer, it was more of a repair rather than a long-term solution.

“The electrician identified a portion of the electrical lines that had been damaged, which resulted in a faulty system,” she said. “This project is a replacement of the whole system.”

The latest project is funded 33% by a Rural County Economic Development grant from Island County that was originally awarded in 2018; the remaining 67% of the cost is covered by the port.

“We are using bond funds dedicated to the fairgrounds improvements to cover the port’s costs,” Mozer said.

During the construction period, the campground gates will be closed to walkers and bikers while heavy machinery is in operation, the port’s press release stated.

“Additionally, we will strive to keep the dump station open as much as possible during the remodeling; however, there may be intermittent closures due to ongoing work related to water line replacements,” the press release said.

Since reservations aren’t being accepted, the campground continues to be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Amanda Ellis, fairgrounds director, said in a port meeting this week that in the future the campground may utilize an online reservation system.

(Photo provided) This graphic shows where new electrical pedestals will go on the campground and how much power each will have.