Landing Improvements, New Dock Await Boaters at Galecke
A new boat dock is now in place at Galecke Park in Plover. (Contributed photo)
For the City-Times
Boaters can now enjoy a new boat dock and improved boat landing at Galecke Park.
The parks double boat landing on the Wisconsin River has been undergoing changes since late last fall when the old concrete planks were removed and replaced. Over the winter a new boat dock was constructed and recently installed. The dock is eight feet longer and it’s lower in the water so it accommodates larger boats.
“Unfortunately this spring’s high water due to snow melt and rainfall delayed the installation of the dock several weeks” said Gary Speckmann, director of county parks. “We finally found a small window of opportunity when the water wasn’t too high or current too fast to install the dock.”
Speckmann added when backing up the dock for installment, initially it fell into a power- loading hole caused by boat motors and it tipped over, forcing a slight delay in the project until crews could haul in rocks to fill the hole.
Assisting the Portage County Parks Department with the project was Jan Nelson and his sons Lee and Dusty.
“Without the Nelsons’ help the project would not have occurred,” said Speckmann. “They’re experienced boaters that knew the needs of the landing and spearheaded the project. Boaters using the landing should thank the Nelsons’ for taking the initiative and donating their time for this much needed project.”
This project is just a series of improvements that the park has seen in the last year. Last summer Prime Water Anglers, 12 Apostles Musky Club and private donations provided funds for the boat landing solar light installation and Consolidated Water and Power Company provided funding for the shoreline erosion rip rap placement this past winter.