Public Benefits

A preserved maritime heritage site.
Direct bublic beneficiaries of the boatyard site/tenant relationship include locals and visitors who drive or walk by the preserved historic property and simply enjoy the view of a classic authentic waterfront structure from Gig Harbor's past. The cultural well being of our community and region is certainly enhanced by the continued existence and maintenance of the Eddon Boatyard, which along with the Skansie Brothers Park's historic structures, might well end up the only traditional working waterfront sites in Gig Harbor that remind us of Gig Harbor's maritime history.

Public access through the boatyard.
Direct public access benefit is further realized by the availability of safe public access into the restored historic Eddon Boatyard. The boatyard guest can experience a functional boatyard by observing the various Gig Harbor BoatShop boat-building, repair and restoration programs underway at the facility. The opportunity to experience the authentic maritime heritage activity inside an authentic boatyard contributes to the understanding of Gig Harbor's cultural heritage by making the past come alive.

The city and the business community of Gig Harbor.
Gig Harbor BoatShop programming at the Eddon Boatyard provides direct benefit to the Gig Harbor business community and the City of Gig Harbor by creating a destination that has the ability to draw the visitor to town for more than a few hours and up to a week. A portion of the GHB programming is offered as day-long to multiple-day workshops. It is a widely accepted fact that cultural tourism is among the fastest growing segments of the travel industry.