A drawing shows a proposed kayak launch site on the Rouge River at the Melvindale Civic Center boat launch.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – A grant-funded kayak launch site on the Rouge River near the Civic Center boat launch may become a reality, Mayor Wheeler Marsee said at the Aug. 3 City Council meeting.
“Rashida Tlaib (D-13th District) is working diligently to get us a grant,” Marsee said.
City Administrator Rick Ortiz said the city has made the cut for the federal grant, and now it is simply a matter of waiting for the city to move up the list and for funds to be released.
Marsee said there were “still a lot of ifs,” but drawings have been created for the proposed kayak launch area at the boat launch ramp behind the Civic Center.
He said it would be accessible to those with disabilities, and could be used to launch kayaks and canoes.
Marsee said the Friends of the Rouge are involved in the project as well, and that City Attorney Larry Coogan is active with the group, and has attended some of its meetings.
He said that if the grant goes through, the city might want to modify the field house so that it could rent kayaks and canoes, as well.
Marsee said a concession stand was another possibility that is being explored. He said the Eagle Scout project that installed a grill and picnic area would be incorporated into any future plans for the area by the boat launch.
“Hopefully, we can develop that down there and make it nice, because a lot of people are using it right now,” he said.