New dock welcomes visitors downtown

by Marianne Gasaway

A new lighted, floating dock was installed at the end of Main Avenue last week, creating an improved entrance to the city from the water.

The dock, manufactured by Pier Genius, of Woden, Iowa was purchased by the city at a  cost of $94,200, will replace a fixed post and plank dock system.

“This is a unique project for Clear Lake and it adds to the improvements which have been happening at City Beach,” said Clear Lake Parks Department Director Randy Miller.  “This is the gateway to downtown from the water and it is heavily used.”

Miller explained the Parks Board has been studying dock options due to safety concerns and the use the dock receives.

“Stress on the dock shows and it needs repairs constantly,” Miller told the Council.   The new dock will be more stable and non-slip, using concrete tiles, rather than wood planks, in its sections.

Pier Genius, owned by Jesse King, of Clear Lake, was one of two vendors to present their product to the Council at a recent workshop session.

The current dock system has a load cap-

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acity of six to 10-pounds per square foot, while the new system will have a load capacity of 40-pounds per square foot and is stable in winds 65 to 70 mph., explained King.  The new dock is made of tubes, rather than angle irons.  Its patent-pending frame features lighted bumpers which will emit an amber glow, making the dock recognizable from the lake.  Its steel wheel system makes it easy to put in and remove from the lake each season.

The new dock will have the same configuration and length as the one it is replacing, however it uses six-foot wide sections rather than the five-foot span.  Five, double-wide boat slips will accommodate 10 boats tying up for short stays on the back side of the dock.  An additional five boat spaces are planned on the front for a total of 15 slips.  The current dock system has room for 10 boats to tie up.

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