06/13/2006

Sailing program to build boathouse on Boardman Lake

By Vanessa McCray

vmccray@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Members at a sailing program plan to build a boathouse on the north shore of the Boardman Lake.

Hull Park is home to Traverse Area Community Sailing, and the group recently obtained permission from the city commission to construct a boathouse on city property. The project, estimated to cost $234,000, will be paid for and maintained by the sailing program. The city will own the building.

The program provides sailing camps, racing and instruction for youth and adults.

Treasurer Mike Wills said the group expects to begin construction in mid-August and complete it by year's end. TACS raised about $65,000 for the project and will continue to seek funds this summer, he said.

The 24- by 150-foot boathouse would be tucked behind the city's Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. It's here that the sailing program currently stores some of its vessels, stacked and racked in rows. But the fenced off outdoor area isn't ideal, said Wills.

There are worries about weather and vandalism, as well as an occasional whipping wind. Wills said a few times a strong gust picked up a boat and sent it soaring.

Wills said the Boardman Lake location has been great for the sailing program.

"It is actually ideal because the winds aren't as heavy, and the waves aren't as big," he said.

The city has supported the program in the past. It approved the same permit a few years ago, but it expired. City Manager Richard Lewis wrote to city commissioners that the activity is a "community benefit" and promotes the use of the lake.

The boathouse will store the program's 65-boat fleet and other supplies and equipment.