INDIANOLA — The quiet community of Indianola has been even more silent lately. Some say it’s because of the weather, school or a myriad of other reasons. But others agree that it is because the Indianola Dock is closed.

Not for long.

The popular dock has been closed to the public since February when it was damaged by a windstorm that ravaged North Kitsap. High winds, coupled with strong waves caused the dock’s stringers to crack and move, said Indianola Port Commissioner John Jacobsen. The stringers support the deck and railing posts, and if damaged can cause the dock to be dangerous. The decking is still in good condition, and the destruction could have been much worse, he said.

“We were lucky the dock survived the storm,” Jacobsen said. “It happened at high tide, which just made it worse. It’s lucky that the damage was limited. All the pilings are still intact, and most of the decking survived.”

Jacobsen said he and other port officials have spent the past few months assessing the damage, acquiring permits and contracting the work out. Though the brunt of the windstorm only lasted for a few days, the injury it caused continues to reverberate through the Indianola community.

“It doesn’t really give people around here much to do,” said Indianola GeneralStore employee Haley Kunka, noting that things have slowed down even more since the dock closed. “Teen wise, there are a lot less people attracted to the area now.”

She added that with it opening up again, the dock will hopefully bring back the people who enjoy walking on it and using the spot to meet and spend time with friends.

Jacobsen said that time will be soon as the dock is expected to only remain closed for a few more weeks. The contractor, Blackwater Marine from Kirkland, has already started work and should complete repairs by the end of June, just in time for the Tour de Duck rubber duckie race fund-raiser for the Indianola Clubhouse June 24.

Along with the windstorm repairs, Blackwater is also conducting some routine maintenance that Jacobsen said the port added into the contract. The total cost of the repairs and upkeep is $80,000, with approximately $45,000 being paid by the dock’s insurance, the rest is coming from port funds.

“When the repairs are finished, we just need to have the county come out and inspect, and the dock will be open to everyone again,” Jacobsen said.