Fort Niagara Launch Ramps

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.

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

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.