Public input helps pier project float

Maybe you want more parking at the Arrowhead Pier. Maybe better lighting or more security sound like a good idea. Or maybe your preference is for benches, a picnic area and a grill to cook up the catch of the day.

Whatever your desire, now is the time to speak up. Superior’s Parks and Recreation Division hosts its last public input session Wednesday before developing a plan to replace the 20-year-old pier. The pier is what remains of the 1920s-era Arrowhead Bridge, which once linked Duluth and Superior.

The ideas floated Wednesday night could be incorporated in the final plan that would guide replacement of the deteriorating pier and help leverage grant money to pay for the project.

“What we intend to do … is to summarize information from the first meeting, and the consultant we’re working with — AMI — has made a few modest revisions of the layouts that take into consideration information from the first meeting,” said Mary Morgan, Parks and Recreation administrator. She said one or two entirely new concept drawings are likely to be presented at Wednesday night’s meeting so the public can comment on them.

The division held a public meeting in January to gather information. More than 20 people attended that meeting.

“I was quite pleased with the attendance and level of interest at the first meeting,” Morgan said.

Two things were clear when people who use the pier or neighboring boat launch got their chance to weigh in. Leaving the area as it is today is not acceptable and lowering the pier to closer to the water is a must. About 90 percent of those who attended the meeting in January agreed moving the boat launch south of the pier would alleviate conflicts that arise between boaters and people who fish from the pier.

Popular amenities include more parking spaces, pier lighting and enhanced safety and accessibility for people with disabilities. Most liked the idea of creating T-shaped pier with fishing extensions along the sides constructed of composite materials.

Some of the drawings include more space for parking, Morgan said.

The target audiences for the meeting include people who work with children, the Billings Park Civic Association and groups that were unable to attend the last meeting.

“I’m looking for, hopefully, a slightly different audience with a slightly different viewpoint, but we will welcome all public feedback,” Morgan said. “There after, we’ll take all the public input and staff will work in consultation with AMI Engineers to form a plan.”

Contact Shelley Nelson at (715) 395-5022 or snelson@superiortelegram.com.

Tags: picnic, grill, arrowhead, pier, parks, recreation, money