The Channel Park Fishing Boardwalk is a project the Breezy
Point Park and Recreation Committee has been working on. The
channel is connected to Pelican Lake and is adjacent to Breezy Point Drive. The bridge on Breezy Point Drive crosses
it. Each year many individuals fish this
channel area, particularly in the spring for crappies and other pan fish. Recognizing this activity with a structure that
can provide access for all individuals was a goal. The
project is conceived as a fishing pier type of structure parallel to the
channel that would allow access. The
structure is intended to be placed on shore and have handicap accessibility
from Breezy Point Drive.
It is anticipated the project’s first phase will be
constructed in 2015. This phase of the
project will amount to a smaller boardwalk section adjacent to the channel and
a ramp, much like a dock section, to the roadway. The boardwalk will be slightly elevated over
the ordinary high water mark. Phase two
of the project anticipates an additional lane of asphalt for street side
parking and more boardwalks. Phase three
anticipates more boardwalks and will be considered if a need exists for
additional structures. Overall if all
sections planned are constructed the boardwalk adjacent to the channel is
anticipated to be 500 feet long.
Although some tax dollars will be used for this project the
Park and Recreation Committee would like to accommodate as much of the costs as
possible with non-tax funding. Raising
money with grants, raffles and donations will be sought. The fund raising process is just getting
started. A raffle is being coordinated
with fishing related prizes. A booth
will be established for many of the community events that occur in our
area. Opportunities to work with
business partners will also be strived for in participation towards the goal of
establishment and expansion of the project.
The goal may seem obvious but it is simple and direct. Provide opportunities for all to enjoy
nature, do some fishing, bird watching, and accomplish some quality time with
family and friends. The benefit is
available to anyone who wishes to use it making Breezy Point a more desirable
community.
Taking the next step, the Park and Recreation Committee
requested from council funds to develop an artist’s rendering of the boardwalk
as it would look upon completion. They also asked the council to approve of the
fund raising activities they anticipate.
The council approved these requests and also wished them well on these
activities and the completion of the project.
