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Kayak and canoe storage has been available in Myers Park for seven years.  Currently three public boat racks are on the point, along with one owned by Paddle-N-More, a boat rental shop based in the park.  Park Superintendent Steve Colt says that it is time to control use of the racks to provide more stable service and maintain them in the future.

"We feel it's time to rent those spots," Colt says.  It will get them under control.  it's been great they are used, but it's time to get it organized and limit the number of boats on them."

The racks were originally built by Eagle Scout candidates.  Trevor Miller designed and built the first rack in 2006.  In 2009 Michael Coles and Dan Comisi completed two more.  Until now the racks have been open for anyone to use, but Colt says they have been so popular that it has caused problems, including overloading the racks with too many boats, endangering the racks and other boats.  Signs will go up asking owners to remove their boats before the end of this month to prepare for the new rental requirement.


Colt says the Recreation Department is considering a nominal fee like $50 per year.  Kayak and canoe owners will register for a space, which will be assigned to them for the entire season. 

"It's time," he says. "Eventually the racks will need to be repaired or maintained.  this will help to offset those costs.  I think it's a very fair price, and it will insure you have a spot.  It will be yours for the season whether your boat's there or not.  You won't come off the water and find someone is in your space."



In addition Paddle-N-More owner Jennifer Miller is partnering with long-time Rec Department sailing instructor Hurf Sheldon to expand the sailing and boat club this year.  Colt says he hopes to be able to have Sheldon offer adult sailing classes in the evening while Miller teaches youth classes during the day and handles club member boat sign-outs.

"We would really love to talk to people with sunfish-sized sailboats that may not use them any more and might like to donate them to the program," Colt says.  "It would be tax deductible.  We're looking to expand upon that."

Paddle-N-More will also be adding more youth paddling and stand-up paddling classes this season.  Colt says he thinks Miller plans to add peddle boats to her fleet as well.


On the other side of the park the Lansing Highway Department has been replacing more retaining walls and working on finishing upgrades to the Marina. Over the past two years department employees have replaced walls and all the docks, slightly increasing the amount of storage available and upgrading services there.  Colt says he hopes to add a little more space in the corner of the small Marina.

"Our hope is to attract the Sheriff's Patrol Boat and move its home base to our marina in Myers Park," he says.  "I think the patrolmen who use the boat would like to do it, and we would like to do it with them.  We'll at least offer it to them and see if coming to our marina is something they would consider."

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