City to pursue $3.8M grant for Smale boat dock

At its meeting last Wednesday, Cincinnati City Council unanimously approved a grant application for $3.8 million from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft for a 1,000-foot transient boat dock at Smale Riverfront Park.

The $5 million facility, meant to accommodate boats staying for ten days or less, will have space for 56 boats and will include water and electric service. A "head boat", Main Street Landing, will house an office, concessions, restrooms, showers, storage, and laundry facilities.

Steven Schuckman, superintendent of planning, design and facilities for the Cincinnati Park Board, says that the boat dock was always planned as a major feature of the park.

"Since Smale Riverfront Park is about bringing people back to the river, the dock is a key element, and the activity of boats docking is an attraction for park visitors," he says. "Our conversations with boating enthusiasts in the area shows a keen interest in this new facility."

If the grant is awarded early next year, Cincinnati's 25 percent local match of $950,000 will come from capital budget resources already dedicated to the park.

Images courtesy of the Cincinnati Park Board.


Previous reading on BC:
Photos: Catching up with Moerlein, Smale, Elberon, and East Price Hill (7/20/12)
Cincinnati Bike Center opens on riverfront (5/9/12)
Photos: Random shots from March and April, including Bond Hill and Silverton (4/27/12)
Construction photos: Smale Riverfront Park, Westwood, East Price Hill, 4/4/12 (4/4/12)
Limited edition scarves, luncheon to benefit riverfront park (4/5/11)