Water sports enthusiasts rejoice for the boat launch at Stony Lake Township Park will be open for Memorial Day weekend.
‘It should be ready to go,? said Ron Davis, director of the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department.
Much to the dismay of area boaters, the launch was closed all last summer because the floating dock was in need of repair.
A combination of damage from winter ice and high lake levels were the culprits last year. The metal poles that hold the dock in place got bent over the winter and the high lake levels meant they were no longer of sufficient length to keep the structure securely affixed to the ground beneath the water. The high water levels had also caused the access ramp leading to the dock to be submerged.
‘We just didn’t have the time (to fix it) last year,? Davis said. ‘And then the water table was fluctuating so much.?
Fortunately, Davis and his crew were able to get out there April 20 to install some new, longer dock poles.
Dave Lohr, owner of the Diver’s Den in Lake Orion, donned a wetsuit and SCUBA gear to make the necessary underwater repairs. He graciously donated all his time and labor for the project.
The parks and rec. department spent about $4,000 in hardware to repair the dock.
Davis indicated his department received many calls last year from people complaining about the launch being closed. ‘Most of the people were understanding, but some people just didn’t get it,? he said.
Once the launch reopens, Davis expects it to be as busy as ever during the summer months. ‘I know every weekend we’re hopping,? he said. ‘The boat ramp is always full of boats. During the week, not so much, but on the weekends we’re maxed every day.?