Park receives grant to make repairs

The city of Crystal Springs was recently awarded a grant from Weyerhaeuser to make repairs to the boat ramp and pier at Lake Chautauqua. Parks and Recreation Director Lacey Henderson cited safety concerns and looks forward to beginning work soon.

Crystal Springs Parks and Recreation Director Lacey Henderson was notified this week that Chautauqua Park was approved to receive a $4000 grant. Henderson applied for a Giving Fund Grant through Weyerhaeuser, a company which manages forests and manufactures wood products. The funds will be used to make repairs to the boat ramp and the pier. The concrete boat ramp narrows by the water’s edge and has a dangerous drop off, creating a serious hazard when loading and unloading. Additional concrete will be poured to widen the ramp on the right side where it meets the water. This will provide enough area to safely accommodate boats and other recreational items. The wooden pier next to the boat ramp is dangerous and also a safety hazard. While most of the pylons are in good shape, the decking is not. Many of the boards are missing or warped. It is not safe to walk on the pier which makes it inaccessible for boaters loading and unloading as well as people wanting to fish and sightsee. Park visitors will soon be able to once again enjoy access to the pier and a renovated boat ramp, thanks to Henderson and Weyerhaeuser. Although the park will soon be closed to visitors due the Chautauqua Christmas, repairs will begin to take place and visitors can look forward to the new pier and ramp early in the new year.

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