The Vashon Park District board is expected to vote next week to keep the Tramp Harbor dock open to the public, after obtaining advice from the district’s attorney and listening to public comment.

The possibility of closing the dock arose in recent weeks, after the Tacoma firm KPFF Consulting Engineers evaluated the dock and determined 11 of its 98 pilings are in poor condition and at risk of failing. According to the report, the failure of a piling is more likely during high wind or when there are many people on the dock, but could happen at any time and could result in a 20-foot section falling into the water.

Executive Director Elaine Ott had indicated she wanted to act on the side of safety, but stressed that she and the board also wanted to hear from those who use the dock.

She also consulted with the district’s attorney, and she told those gathered at last week’s board meeting that he had recommended three options: close the dock, close just potentially precarious portions of the dock or leave the dock open but post several warning signs about its potential hazards.

Board members discussed options to ensure that the public sees the signs, including noting that signs should be posted in multiple languages.

The board heard from five community members who attended the meeting, all speaking strongly in favor of keeping the dock open.

Craig Kanagy said that in 1974 he used to drive down the dock and work on fishing boats at the end.

“Vashon Island has 50 miles of shoreline, and we’ve got one public fishing pier, and you guys are even talking about losing it?” he asked.

He added that he is willing to put his money where his mouth is and gave the park district a $1,000 check. He drew laughs when he said he had written on it, “Save our dock. Do not cash if you can’t.”

Ezra Parker also spoke up, representing birders. The dock is the best bird watching site on the island in the winter and a stop on the Puget Sound Birding Loop map, he said.  He added that it is a new site in the Puget Sound Seabird Survey, a citizen science project conducted by Seattle Audubon.

“Tramp Harbor is … the jewel in that,” he said, noting that several off-islanders come to bird watch there.

Frank Jackson was also among those who addressed the board.

“This dock is just too special,” he said. “It helps define our island.”

The board is slated to vote at the next meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at Ober Park.