The well-deserved replacement of the docks at our Stover Road marina in Charlevoix has begun. The scope of the entire project is large and will be done in 2 phases. First, the replacement of C, D and E docks is to be completed by April 1, 2008. The second phase, replacement of A and B docks will be started in the fall of 2008 and completed for spring 2009. The result will be the complete replacement of all the docks, ramps, walkways and utilities in the marina.

The first step is to increase both electrical and water capacity for the entire system. The electrical service is being upgraded to include larger wire sizes and a larger transformer. Our water supply is being increased from a one-inch supply line to a new four-inch pipe allowing more water to flow to the docks and having enough water available should the need arise for fire fighting. Both the electrical conduit and the water pipe will be run in a trench from Ferry Avenue, along the south side of our shop, and out to near the end of the break wall.

With the equipment on site for the utility work, we are also removing the berm that separates the south end of the parking lot from Stover Creek. For many years we have been challenged by Stover Creek overflowing during the spring and flooding our property and buildings. The initial response was to build this berm to hold the water at bay. However, the root cause of the creek backing up was the collection of brush, rocks and debris at the dam and not allowing the water to flow naturally to Lake Charlevoix. In the past couple of years, we have made a substantial effort to thin the trees, remove the debris and maintain the proper flow of the creek through the dam. We have also applied for and received a permit from the Michigan DEQ to modify the dam allowing us to more safely prevent the build-up of debris from collecting at the dam entrance. Once this work is completed, the south end of the yard and walkway out to the docks will be nothing short of spectacular!

The new design will be very similar to the old arrangement:

“A dock” will be wider with more pedestals and the finger piers will be of the “head arm” design used on the shore dock at Ferry Avenue with articulating stairways.

“B dock” will have 40’ finger piers on the south side.

“C dock” is almost the same as the existing dock.

“D dock” will use graduated length finger piers on the east side

“E dock” will use a mix of Scando piers similar to our Harbor Springs facility as well as traditional finger piers toward the north end.

The present docks have served a very long time, some over 30 years, and the materials will be recycled as much as possible.