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Lewes kayak launch repairs planned in 2017

Deemed unsafe, Canalfront Park docks closed earlier this year
August 29, 2016

The docks at the kayak launch area in Lewes Canalfront Park have been barricaded for months, as city officials establish a plan to restore them.

Georgia Tugend, a board member of the Friends of Lewes Canalfront Park, said repairs are important, as events have been canceled this year due to the launch’s closure.

“Time is of the essence with this restoration,” she said.

City officials closed access to the floating docks earlier this year after they were deemed to be unsafe. The city’s Canalfront Park marina and capital projects committees have been working on a solution, and the capital projects group selected a plan at its Aug. 15 meeting. City engineer George, Miles and Buhr will move forward with final planning before presenting the plan to city council in September. GMB engineer Charlie O’Donnell said construction will likely begin in April 2017, meaning the new and improved kayak launch will be ready for next summer. The project requires permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Equipment and material delivery time is estimated at eight to 10 weeks, he said.

The project, estimated at $120,000, would include the removal and disposal of damaged ramp sections, replacement with aluminum deck frame and foam-filled polyethylene floats, and the installation of a new kayak safety launch. The project will replace the damaged docks in the same configuration as they exist today, but eliminate a short center dock. The kayak safety launch, which offers an easier way to get in and out of kayaks, is the only new feature.

Mayor Ted Becker said the kayak launch area is the only section of Canalfront Park that was not rebuilt when the park was created nearly a decade ago.

“It is a reuse of what used to be the boat ramp, and it has served the city well,” he said.

To help pay for the cost of the project, Friends President Janet Sydnor said, her group is willing to donate between $20,000 and $30,000, up from the typical annual contribution of $5,000 to $10,000.

“We see the docks as very important to what we do and very important to the enjoyment of the park for everyone, whether you kayak from it or fish off of it,” she said. “It gets a lot of use.”

Since its formation, the Friends group has donated about $100,000 to an endowment fund for the park. They also contribute funds annually for park upgrades.

Mark Carter of Dogfish Head said the kayak launch is important to his company, which promotes people getting outdoors. He said the kayak launch is one of the most important places in Lewes to promote their mission. Because of that, he said, Dogfish Head is willing to help with fundraising efforts, either through marketing or hosting a fundraiser.

Speaking for himself, Carter said, the launch is a great amenity for the local economy.

“It's a very important resource for the community,” he said. “When I'm down there, I drop in and get a cup of coffee downtown or take the kids to King’s for ice cream.”

When complete, Becker said, the floating docks can be a revenue generator, as a new place for transient boat slips. Dockmaster Tim Slack said there will be enough room for three 20-foot slips. As with the city dock, rates would be $15 per hour, with the first hour free. An increase in fees could be discussed, he said.

Becker said he's also had preliminary discussions with business owners who use the kayak launch area to add a per-use or annual fee. Details will be ironed out at a later time, he said.  

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