- By Dan Veaner
- Around Town
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Park Commissioner Steve Colt says the Town is implementing a long range plan to improve the facilities. Work this year included dredging, replacing the retaining wall, and the launch dock that was put in this Spring. In the future the plan calls for replacing two to four docks per year, to make more efficient use of the space and accommodate modern, wider boats, and possibly winter storage.
The rack is part of an effort to formalize the separation of motorized and non-motorized boats. "Launching a non-motorized boat has always been free on the stream side near the 'A' Pavilion," Colt says. "It's the easiest place to put in, there's great parking there, it's easy access to the water, you're in the mouth of the stream -- not really in the stream, and it's a little bit guarded from the weather. It also helps us because it takes the smaller non-motorized craft to a different part of the park, because on the weekends our launch area for motorized boats is crazy."
He is hoping a second rack will be located on Salt Point as that property is developed by the Town. The plan calls for a non-motorized launching area where Colt envisions the second rack. If that doesn't work out he wants to put a second rack next to the first one, because it has already been so popular. "As Salt Point becomes developed it will be a really nice place to put in," he says, "because you'll be able to paddle around the perimeter of that new property.
New York State mandates that the marina serve not just residents, but people from a wider area, so the Town conducts a lottery for slips every three years. "We put everybody in the drum and make draws, says Colt. While he can't favor Lansing residents in the lottery the Town does offer favorable rates to those who live here. "Our non-resident pricing is fair, and our resident pricing is a great deal," he says.
Prices are based on the size of boats. For example a slip for a 22' boat costs $660 for the season, and (tax-paying) residents pay $462. There are about 18 dry dock spaces where people can leave their boat on their trailer for the season. Buying a dry dock space gives you resident status, which means free weekend access to the park. It also comes with a season launch pass.
When Salt Point opens under the new plan some motorized boats will launch at no charge. Colt says, "As part of this Agreement, launching of motorized boats will continue to occur at the adjacent Town boat launch at Myers Town Park, where a waiver for the launching fee will be given to owners of boats with motors of 25 horsepower or less who present a valid fishing license." Launching a boat currently costs $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents.
The one thing the marina does not have is transient parking for boats to visit the park for concerts, picnics or other events. "We don't have the space to do that," he says. "One thing we have researched is a floating dock system that could be anchored off the front of the park. Something that could be put out in season. You would pay by the hour." Colt says it would be expensive to implement, but he would like to find a way to do it. "I think we could draw a lot more people to the destination by water, and definitely would if we had that access."
The operation is run by part time seasonal staff. Charlie Nedrow and Wayne Straw (a former Lansing Schools Transportation Supervisor) handle maintenance for Myers and Ludlowville Parks, including mowing, playground upkeep and pavilion maintenance. "They are both retired guys who are excellent," Colt says. Chris Nabinger supervises the Park staff for the front entrance and launch buildings. That amounts to about a half dozen students and retired people.
"We do well in the marina," Colt says. "It is a really good location. People like it there and we're glad they do."
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