The city of Rhinelander is getting funds to pay for a new boat landing.
More than $400,000 are coming in from DNR and federal grants. City Parks and Grounds Director Gunder Paulson says the launch will be at the site of an old DNR ranger station.
“We’re calling this the Boyce Drive boat landing. It’s right by Shephard Park. And it’s at the confluence of the Pelican and Wisconsin Rivers. Very beautiful spot.”
The project will consist of piers and a paved boat launch area. It will also include bathrooms and a parking lot.
The city must still pay about fifteen percent of the total project costs. But Paulson says it will allow boaters to take advantage of a beautiful and under-used stretch of the Wisconsin River.
“You know when it’s all said and done, the out of pocket $75,000 dollars from the city to get a half a million dollar project is I think quite a windfall. I think it’ll be very nice, and well-used.”
The DNR will demolish the old ranger station. City officials plan to break ground in the spring, and hope have the launch ready for use about a year from now.
There will be a five-dollar fee per use of the boat launch to pay for ongoing maintenance.
