By Brandi Makuski

The first of five new fishing piers at Bukolt Park was opened to the public last week.

The pier was built thanks to a cooperative partnership between Prime Water Anglers and the Stevens Point Parks Department. Ki Mobility sponsored the first pier, located on the southwest side of the Bukolt lagoon.

Employees from Ki Mobility were also on hand, along with Nelson Fence and Bushman Electric for the ribbon-cutting of a the new pier, which is handicap-accessible. Ki Mobility designers Jason Dorhost, 34, and 28-year-old Joe Tetzloff, both of Iola, were the first to test the pier’s accessibility and cut the ribbon during the event.

Mayor Mike Wiza and Councilwoman Heidi Oberstadt were also on hand to represent the city.

The construction of four additional piers are planned for the park — two this year and two in 2017.

“We just found there was a need for handicap-accessible pier because, coming through the lagoon agrea in the summertime the kids are always on the roadway and anyone in a wheelchair couldn’t accesible it,” said Jeff Rautio, PWA vice president. “With all the projects we’ve done on the fishing peirs in the area, we’re kind of running out of projects, and this seems like a good one.”

Rautio said the group has helped restore, build and install fishing piers and boat landings throughout the county, all of which are open to the public.

PWA sponsors several fishing and youth events throughout the year. To donate for future pier construction and other community events held by the group, go to the Community Foundation’s website for more information.

Prime Water Anglers’ mission is, in part, to: “offer knowledge and techniques to catching fish by providing an environment of camaraderie among sportspeople. To encourage continued involvement by our youth in the outdoors and be a leader in promoting a positive image of sportspeople and their role as conservationists.” 

The club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Club 10, 1602 County Road HH West. Membership is open to anglers of all ages.

More information on the club can be found on its Facebook page.