In planning for the 2023 Memorial Day / Boatnik celebration, the Grants Pass Police Department and the Active Club would like to make our citizens aware of the following information:
BOATNIK PARADE, SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023:
On Saturday, May 27, 2023, 6th Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic (except for parade entrants) from “A” Street to the Rogue River, including the 6th Street (Caveman) bridge. The road closure will be from 8:00 am until after the parade, approximately 1:00 pm. During the parade, traffic will be diverted from 6th Street at “A” Street to Beacon, then onto the Grants Pass Parkway. Traffic can then divert to I-5 or onto the Parkway. Those wishing to travel south of the Rogue River need to leave earlier or plan to use the Grants Pass Parkway Bridge.
ACCESS ACROSS THE RIVER WILL ONLY BE ON THE PARKWAY BRIDGE OR NORTHBOUND ON THE 7TH STREET BRIDGE.
No parking will be allowed at the following locations from Friday, May 26th at midnight until after the Boatnik parade on Saturday, May 27, 2023:
- 6th Street from just north of “A” Street to the Caveman Bridge
- Voorhies between 6th and 7th StreetsParade attendees must stand/sit no closer to the parade than immediately adjacent to the curb within the parking stalls on 6th Street. This will ensure the safety of the attendees, keep pedestrians out of the roadway and allow everyone to see the parade from a good vantage point. Dogs are discouraged along the parade route.
Parade attendees must stand/sit no closer to the parade than immediately adjacent to the curb within the parking stalls on 6th Street. This will ensure the safety of the attendees, keep pedestrians out of the roadway and allow everyone to see the parade from a good vantage point. Dogs are discouraged along the parade route.
TRAFFIC AROUND RIVERSIDE PARK AND 6TH & 7TH STREET BRIDGES:
East Park Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 am Friday, May 26th through Monday, May 29, 2023, at 9:00 pm. Vehicles with a Boatnik parking permit or Disabled parking permit will only be allowed to enter East Park Street via the Parkway entrance.
Baker Park will be closed to vehicle traffic and boat launching from Friday, May 26, 2023, through Monday, May 28, 2023.
Water use regulations and race event schedule during Boatnik
During the Boatnik Races, the Rogue River will be closed in designated areas and during designated times (refer to the schedule below). All spectators will remain off the water until the races are over. All spectators will remain 50 feet from the waterway at all times.
Movement on the water is restricted to law enforcement, rescue personnel, and authorized race officials during the closures. Private boats are not allowed to assist with crashes or rescue operations for safety purposes.
Boats can be anchored on the shoreline if it is deemed safe by race officials and Law Enforcement. All users shall be OFF the water and in an approved area 1 hour prior to the start of the race.
Any unauthorized boats on the water during the closure may be cited for Reckless and Unsafe Operation (ORS 830.315 & 305) and are subject to a $440 fine. Law enforcement will be patrolling the waterways during race events.
RIVER CLOSURES:
CLOSED Friday, May 26, 2023, 6:30 pm – 10:15 pm from Baker Park to Sixth Street Bridge.
CLOSED Saturday, May 27, 2023, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm from Baker Park to Robertson Bridge AND 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm from Baker Park to Sixth Street Bridge.
CLOSED Sunday, May 28th, 2023 7:00 am – 1:00 pm from Baker Park to Robertson Bridge AND 1:00 pm – 10:15 pm from Baker Park to Sixth Street Bridge.
CLOSED Monday, May 29, 2023, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm from Baker Park to Robertson Bridge.