Project prompts closing of some transient docks
By Barb Pert Templeton
Active construction on the new Marine City Marina Park began on Aug. 18. The project is located on Main Street at Bridge Street in the city.
An Aug. 20 press release from the office of City Manager Micheal Reaves offered some background on the marina plan along with information about funding for the $1.2 million project.
The idea was first discussed in 2022 and the city was able to secure funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to acquire a parcel along the Belle River. Through additional active partnerships with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. St Clair County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, the city was able to secure additional funding for the site improvements and the future development of the Marina City Marina Park.
The project is expected to be completed in three phases:
· Phase 1 – Will include the addition of a space parking area, sidewalks, an ADA accessible fishing pier, park pavilion, fish cleaning pavilion, enhancements to landscaping and other small park amenities.
This map shows where the transient docks have been closed and which ones remain open in Marine City.
· Phase 2 – Will include installation of a boardwalk adjacent to existing docks, dock improvements, decorative lighting, park benches, trash receptacles and new signage.
· Phase 3 – The final phase of the project, will include the installation of accessible park restrooms. All work is expected to be complete by June 2026.
In preparation for Phase 1 of the Marine City Marina Park project the city announced the closing of several transient boat docks in that area. Blue Water Heathy Living posed some questions to city officials about that recent announcement. Scott Atkins, a special projects administrator for Marine City, responded to the questions after discussing them with other members of the city staff.
Blue Water Healthy Living: What exactly are the “transient boat docks?
Scott Adkins, special projects administrator for Marine City: The Transient Boat Docks are part of our Marina Park that was acquired a few years ago. They are available for day docking only, no overnight parking.
BWHL: Are these docks normally maintained by the city?
Adkins: Yes, this is city owned property.
BWHL: How much space (how many spots) for boats do the transient docks offer?
Adkins: I believe there are six docks that are city owned. Currently seven “finger” docks and two seawall docks all on the east side of the Belle River.
BWHL: What is this name of the marina north of the bridge?
Adkins: I believe we have named it the Marine City Marina Park. A private owner also has four “finger” docks north of the city property.
BWHL: The map reflects other available docking (in yellow) near the boat and kayak launch – aren’t those closed now?
Adkins: The kayak launch has been pulled out and closed, but there is city owned seawall docking on the east side of the Belle River indicated in yellow. They are just south of the kayak launch. This is still transient docking as well, no overnight parking. Some or all of the docks at the marina may be closed periodically during active construction for safety and accessibility purposes.
BWHL: Is there a charge to the boater for docking their vessel at the city owned transient docks?
Adkins: No charge.
BWHL: Is there a barrier or a sign or both that notify boaters that they can no longer park at the transient boat docks at the marina on the east side of Belle River?
Adkins: I do know there is ongoing construction and earth work being done so I believe there are barriers and silt screens up. We currently have silt fencing and some barrier tape in place. The restricted construction area is subject to change as the project progresses; however, we are making efforts to maintain some dock areas as safety and access will allow during the project
