New Duluth Canoe Launch to Open in Spring

By spring, canoeists, rafters and tubers will have a easier and safer way to enter the Chattahoochee River at Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth.

The Duluth City Council Monday (Jan. 14) awarded a contract to construct a canoe launch at the park in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to Reeves Contracting Co. in Sugar Hill.

Duluth Parks and Recreation Director Kathy Marelle presented a drawing of the launch design and showed photos of the existing canoe ramp at the park.

The contact was scheduled to be signed Tuesday and a notice to proceed within 10 days issued. Duluth City Engineer Melissa Muscato said the contract requires the launch to be completed within 90 days. This means the launch should be completed this spring, she said.

Designed by Atlanta-based HDR Engineering, the concrete launch includes a walk-down canoe ramp, a step-down boardwalk, a viewing area, and natural plantings. It replaces a dirt ramp.

The launch construction is being paid for with Park SPLOST funds. The council approved adding $150,000 to already budgeted funds to cover the cost.

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