7.2 PRSR 08-12-2020
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
7.2
Agenda Section
Action Item
Meeting Date
August 12, 2020
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
A discussion regarding the installation of a dock at Rivers Edge Commons Park
Request, by action, the installation of a dock at Rivers Edge Commons Park with funding, including the
cost of annual installation, paid for from community donations.
Background/Discussion
City Council was receptive to a dock at Rivers Edge Commons Park at a work session on Mary 6, 2019.
The Parks and Recreation then reviewed the dock on May 8, 2019 recommending to City Council to
create a dock that is accessible to all and work with volunteers for fundraising for the dock.
Staff recommends the proposed ADA compliant dock working closely with resident Shannon Tatro
regarding the type of dock and fundraising.
Shannon presented to the Commission at the May 8 meeting. Shannon and Michael recently presented
the dock to Chris Carlson who has indicated he will substantially contribute to the donation of the dock.
DNR Area Hydrologist, James Bedell, reviewed the dock plans and commented that it would not present
a navigational or safety hazard. Staff met with Mr. Bedell at the proposed dock site last summer.
Financial Impact
The product cost, site, preparation, and installation are approximately $115,000. The cost to install and
remove the dock each spring and fall is $4,800 annually.
Attachments
Proposed Dock Flyer
Pa rks and RecreationThe Port of Elk River
Elk River prides ourselves as a place where city and country
flow together. Blessed with two important waterways,
acres of protected green spaces, trails, conservation areas
and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation it
is easy to see why our tagline is “Powered by Nature.”
The city is located near the confluence of the Elk and
Mississippi Rivers. Our quaint and charming downtown
is rich with shops and eateries. Visitors travel easily
to our city via three major thoroughfares (Highways
10, 169 and 101), or the Northstar Commuter Rail
Line. However, some feel the city is missing one key
transportation option - via the Mississippi River.
The investment of a dock at Rivers Edge Commons
Park would make Elk River a destination for a
variety of watercraft; boats, canoes, kayaks, and
jets skis. Anyone who lives on the river can make
their way up or down river to visit restaurants and
entertainment hot spots with accessible docks.
After much research, we propose a product called EZ
Dock. This is the same docking system located in the
City of Anoka on the Rum and Mississippi Rivers (see
photos to the right). It is an ADA-accessible floating,
seasonal dock with interconnecting deck sections that
would be installed each spring and removed each fall .
The product cost, site preparation and installation is
approximately $115,000.
Proposed Dock
at Rivers Edge Commons Park
A local supplier, Marine Dock & Lift, has provided a
quote of $4,800 annually to install and remove the dock
each spring and fall.
Downtown Elk River is home to restaurants, retail shops,
and well-attended community events like the city’s weekly
Farmers Market and the popular Riverfront Concert
Series. People who enjoy these amenities currently visit
by land - imagine the exposure and possibilities that can
come with opening up another transportation option for
visitors by placing a dock at Rivers Edge Commons Park.
For additional information contact:
Shannon Tatro
Resident/Boat and Dock Enthusiast
763.647.0983, sptatro@gmail.com
Michael Hecker
Elk River Parks and Recreation Director
763.635.1161, mhecker@ElkRiverMN.gov
Pa rks and Recreation