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Another Outdoors Niagara Exclusive!


FORT NIAGARA STATE PARK RAMP RENOVATIONS

Repairs to south holding dock on south end
Started April 29th 2010

 


The following pictorial is of repairs being made to the south holding docks at Fort Niagara. The docks are getting attention that has been needed for several years. Knowing that good things all start from somewhere, the south dock at the south launch ramp is where this upgrade was started.

The big problem is because when low waters, boats approaching the docks would slide right under the docks and a dangerous situation would occur, with the possibility of decapitating someone or doing severe damage to boats.

The dock is being renovated by State Park personnel headed up by Melissa and Jim, Jim being the chief "Engineer"  The job looks like it will work but only time will tell. Ice damage is a major concern but looks like it can handle it. We'll see in time.


Jim & Melissa the on site "Engineers" and "craftsmen extraordinaire"

The pictures you are seeing is how it is being done. Be sure to come back so you can follow this job.

PLEASE CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR GREAT PICTURES

March
29
2010

Melissa preparing another board
for the horizontal 2x6

Jim waiting for the next board to be bolted in place
Standing in the river with full chest waders.

Carefully measuring for the next cut
March 29
& 30
2010

This is looking under the dock and
the horizontal pressure treated boards

Another look so you get an idea

This is day 2 looking under the
dock and the vertical boards
& how they will look
March 29
2010

This refurbishment will definitely keep
your boat from sliding under this dock

An idea of the vertical bumper spacing
These bumpers will need replacing in time
and something better put there

Looking Good!
April 1st.
2010

More bumpers installed

Close-up of the vertical boards
and how they are fastened. [carriage bolts]
These boards are of that durable decking
board that they use nowadays

A perspective of the south wing
 
There will be a ladder for safety sake
installed on this ramp [far end] as per popular request,
although it has been discouraged in the past
because it could become a teaser
for swimmers off the dock which is not permitted
No one working today
April 1st at 10:00 am.

Picture on April 1 2010

Melissa was "borrowed" from Four Mile State Park and Jim is a Fort Niagara full time employee and Jack of all Trades. Jim plows, cuts grass, repairs potholes and whatever else needs to be done Jim can do it. Melissa does just about the same at Four Mile Park.

And thank you new Parks Manager Kate Gross for your dedication and input on these much needed improvements

Another note of importance; on the finger dock you see in the picture behind Melissa & Jim, there was a bolt sticking out that was another dangerous potential, pointed out by Don Supon to our "Engineers", it was cut off so we don't have to worry about tearing our boats up on that anymore.

Keep checking back...there will be more pictures to follow

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