By Chris Spangler
The Fort Atkinson Plan Commission has advanced installation of a kayak launch alongside the Rock River municipal boat ramp at the end of Mechanic Street.
The commission unanimously voted to recommend that the city council approve a request for a public monument review for the kayak launch on city-owned property. Lescohier made the motion, which was seconded by Highfield and unanimously approved. Commissioner Jill Kessenich was absent from the meeting.
Dakota Friend, a member of Boy Scout Troop 147, plans to undertake the work as his Eagle Scout project. He will raise $1,500 for the launch and install it initially.
The city will be responsible for installing and removing it, along with other public docks, each spring and fall. The city also will store it in winter.
The kayak launch will be located between the river wall and east-west municipal pier. Its one-piece construction, integrated paddle notches and V-shaped entry should make launching and docking safe, easy and dry, even as water levels change, Friend noted.
During Tuesday’s Plan Commission meeting, the scout showed some pictures of what the launch will look like and gave a brief overview of the project.
“I would raise money and purchase the kayak launch and four of the bowtie connecting pieces …,” he explained, adding that the launch would not interfere with any boat traffic.
Friend said the launch would measure 14 feet in length and 5 feet in width.
“The last part (of the project) would be putting up a sign,” he said. “The sign would have my name, the project, the date it was put in and the list of sponsors that helped to fundraise the project,” he said.
Commissioner Davin Lescohier praised Friend and his Eagle Scout project.
“I like this idea a lot. I know (it is wonderful) when we can make it easier for our local residents to access and enjoy the natural resources we have, so thanks for suggesting this and I look forward to using it someday,” he said.
Commissioner Roz Highfield agreed, and Commissioner Eric Schultz encouraged Friend to reach out to him for a donation, as the kayak launch is something he will use himself.
City Manager Rebecca Houseman Lemire echoed the praise.
“It was a pleasure to work with Dakota on this project and we’re very much appreciative when folks have Eagle Scout projects and they contact city staff on the front end and work together to really make sure that it’s a project that does serve a public service …,” she said.
Dakota Friend, a member of Boy Scout Troop 147, outlines for the Fort Atkinson Plan Commission Tuesday his plans to locate a kayak launch at the municipal boat ramp as his Eagle Scout project. Chris Spangler photo.
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