Many were in attendance Thursday afternoon (July 14th) to celebrate the grand re-opening of newly renovated boat launch piers for Pigeon Lake, English Lake, and Wilke Lake.
Manitowoc County Director of Planning and Parks Tim Ryan says the actual event was held at the Pigeon Lake Boat Landing.
“It began with discussions with County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer, the County Board, along with The County Highway Department, the Director of Public Works along with Planning and Parks to upgrade piers that have been pretty much in disarray over the years,” Ryan explained. “We did speak with members of Manitowoc County Fish and Game and the state about obtaining funding and we were successful. The result is benefits for the residents of Manitowoc County.”
Ryan says the newly constructed boat launch piers provide the community with updated facilities that create a safe, efficient area to launch personal watercraft as well as provide an area for people to fish and recreate.
He said, “There’s a bathroom out there with running water, a picnic table, and a small grassy area where people can throw down a blanket and have a picnic lunch. There’s a grill out there, just kind of a neat area that overlooks the lake.”
The County Planning and Parks Director adds that he’s heard from many people that they are vacationing closer to home this summer.
“During the pandemic, our boat launches have never been busier,” he said. “We have donation tubes locate at all of our facilities and we’ve never taken in more funding than in the last couple of years. The price of gasoline is keeping people closer to home and this area has just some excellent recreational opportunities if people just take time to explore them.”
The $150,000 project was made possible through state of Wisconsin Grant funding and a generous donation from the Manitowoc County Fish and Game Association.
