The Place Where Ludington Talks

Ramping Up the Slab.

Would this be a better use of the West End Slab then a kayak rental? Seems like it to me. Not sure how compatible it would be with the beer tent crowd but always was more of an idea than a detail person. Seems you would need a wheelchairs available that are submersible but it is doable and not an impossible task . Would rather this than kayaks. Also since the Splash Pad is supposed to be handicapped accessible will waterproof wheelchairs be available at Copeyon Park.

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Freedom Seeker on February 22, 2020 at 9:36am

These ramps are popular in warm-weather spas and natural hot springs, but the cold of Lake Michigan might be a shock to those in wheel chairs. However, since a good portion of the dune has been removed, the west end looks suited for the application now. The problem is, how to anchor a concrete ramp to a sand base without deep pilings? It would seem that soon the raging waters will be going under the "West End Slab" and undermining the concrete. Nice idea though!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Willy on February 22, 2020 at 8:23pm

That is a very good thought shinblind but unless the ramp could be removed then replaced seasonally it would be destroyed by the ice piling up along the shore.

What burns me is that kayaks are made to be portable and versatile so they can easily be put in and taken out of the water with little effort. So why is a special launch needed for them when they are made to be used anywhere it is wet and accessible.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by XLFD on February 22, 2020 at 8:51pm

The last amendment to the West End Project plan had the beach serve as a water trail stop, complete with canoe racks and a removable pier to launch canoes/kayaks. This pier was planned to be accessible for wheelchairs who want to get out on the water, and it doesn't seem as if there would be much extra cost to adapting the pier to allow those who are wheelchair-bound into the water like this article shows.

The city manager has already indicated that the West End slab will not be used in 2020 for tent parties and other similar shindigs because of the likelihood of high water problems being as bad or worse than they were this year. Don't be surprised, however, if they try to 'finish' the project by putting up a kayak/canoe rack and a launching pier this year. They've already bought a rack (maybe two) and they received needed points for the project due to the COL's 'flexibility' in changing the scope of the project into one that served as a launching/disembarking point for a water trail on Lake Michigan.