Bridge Street location part of Marine Park development
By Barb Pert Templeton
There are plenty of projects underway in Marine City right now and the city has been making significant progress on an accessible fishing pier at Marina Park. The pier, which is more of a platform, is located on Bridge Street at Marine Street along the Belle River.
Marine City’s Special Projects Administrator Scott Adkins said Marina Park includes the short-term visitor and dining docks that are free to use, plus a daytime use area which includes pavilions and open space. Future amenities will also include park benches and furniture.
Adkins said fishing is allowed from the pier/platform area adjacent to the boat dock area. The area will include a future fish cleaning station with commercial grinders planned and picnic areas will be available in Spring 2026.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Adkins via email to get more details about the accessible fishing pier.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Can you explain a little about what’s been done there – removal or replacement of things?
Marine City’s Special Projects Administrator Scott Adkins: The fishing pier is part of the larger Marina Park development. It includes the fishing pier/platform project as well as the installation of two new pavilions at the park, sidewalk paths, installation of water, sewer, and other underground infrastructure for the next phase of development which will include a small boardwalk, park lighting, landscaping enhancements restrooms, and hopefully a fish cleaning station with grinder.
BWHL: What about the kayak launch?
Adkins: The removal of the canoe and kayak launch was a separate project because of a non-compliant ADA grade. We also hope that some modifications and reinstallation can take placewith the next Marina Park Phase. It would be reinstalled across the river near its previous location with a new ADA compliant dock and decking system.
BWHL: Will a new kayak launch be put in place next spring?
Adkins: We are hopeful to obtain funding to reinstall new ADA complaint dock and decking infrastructure. The estimated costs are between $30,000 and $50,000 and we are looking at potential grant funding opportunities
BWHL: How long has this project been ongoing in the city?
Adkins: The initial Marina Park project started in 2023 with grant funding requests and rewards. Engineering and design were completed in 2024, and construction began this summer. We have received nearly $800,000 in grants funds for this project from the Michigan DNR, Ralph C Wilson Jr. Foundation, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, and the St Clair County Community Foundation. We are extremely grateful for all their support. Phase I is expected to be completed by the end of this November. Phases II and III are largely dependent on additional funding support which we are currently working on.
BWHL: Who’s doing the work – a contractor or city employees? What is the cost?
Adkins: The Engineering and Design were completed by AEW (Anderson, Eckstein, and Westrick) Engineers. PCE (Project Control Engineering) completed the fishing platform design and BMJ Engineers have completed additional constructing testing. All these costs were included in the initial grant funding, approximately $80.000 in total.
Marina Park includes the short-term visitor and dining docks that are free to use, daytime use area which includes pavilions and open spac
BWHL: Will there still be docking space for boats at the site? How will those standing their fishing be protected from incoming vessels?
Adkins: The docks will not be impacted by the fishing area and remain accessible. The platform also has built-in protective railings.
BWHL: There seems to be a lot of cement in these photos is that all new?
Adkins: All cement and asphalt are new.
The initial Marina Park project started in 2023 with grant funding requests and rewards.
BWHL: Will there be places provided for parking cars close to the spot? Is it new?
Adkins: The park consists of 9 paved parking spaces. An additional six are planned for Phase III and adjacent on street is available in several areas. The park is also only a few blocks from downtown (Water Street).
