LAKEPORT, Calif. – The city of Lakeport is in the midst of installing new docks at Library Park.
The project began last week, and Public Works Superintendent Doug Grider said he hopes the work with be done by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Grider estimated that it has been around 30 years since the city installed new docks at the park.
In January, the Lakeport City Council approved the purchase order for the new aluminum docks, which were bought from The Dock Factory and Supply Co. in Lakeport for $226,336.43, as Lake County News has reported.
“My staff is doing the installation,” said Grider, with The Dock Factory available for technical consultation.
He said the installation so far has gone very smoothly.
Overall, there will be nearly 300 feet of new dock, plus some new gangway, pile guides and a swim ladder, based on the city's purchase documents.
Grider said that with the new docks there is roughly the same amount of dock surface area as before. However, a portion that had been removed several years ago to close off the swim beach is being reinstalled to keep that area safe.
Grider estimated that the city's old docks were having to be rebuilt – at a substantial cost – about every two to three years, as the wooden decking kept wearing out.
As for what happens to the old docks, Grider said that will be up to the council.
He said he plans to suggest an advertised auction with sealed bids.
The county of Lake also at one point had expressed interest in some of the recently rebuilt docks, and Grider said the city likely will approach the county and give it the first option to take them.
Considering that it's likely to be another 30 years before the city gets new docks, Grider said, “I hope the community takes ownership and buy-in on these new docks and helps keep them in good shape.”
If anyone sees the docks being vandalized, he asked that they contact city officials or police immediately.
Grider said the community's money was spent to purchase the docks.
“Treat them like they're your own because, in a way, they are,” he said.
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