Grand Marais recreation park boat launch nears completion
Boaters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists will soon be able to use the newly improved boat launch in the Grand Marais Recreation Park.
“We’re into the final stretch,” said Dave Tersteeg, parks manager for the city of Grand Marais. Tersteeg said all that remains is final pavement installation and painting, tree installation, and landscaping.
The new boat launch is a part of the Parkside Public Access Plan.
While an opening date has yet to be determined, Tersteeg shared that the construction crews will take down the fences shortly. ‘There’s hope that we can be open by 19 or 26 of August,” Tersteeg said.
While the construction crews have remained ahead of schedule, the agreed-upon contract runs through August 31.
Tersteeg shared that the recreation park plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early September to celebrate the long-awaited boat launch improvements. Multiple partners and supporters will attend the event, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the local Chamber of Commerce, the city council park board, and a handful of others.
A few changes to the area include adding a kayak and canoe launch ramp dock, stormwater management practices, an aquatic invasive species stall, a walkable breakwater, and the removal of the public works facility building.
In addition, the project includes ample parking for vehicles towing boat trailers. Tersteeg said the area would support 25 to 30 truck trailer parking spots for boaters and anglers headed out on Lake Superior.
“The whole purpose of this project was to make safe access for boaters and adequate parking,” said Tersteeg.
Tersteeg said the design specifications were drawn and constructed to support a 35-foot maximum boat and trailer. “We feel comfortable accommodating that size,” he said.
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Dave Tersteeg, parks manager for the city of Grand Marais, about an update on the improved boat launch. Audio from the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins August 17, 2022
