Harbor Island Boat Launch: Open Or Closed?

The Harbor Island Boat Launch in Grand Haven, Michigan, is located on the northern side of Harbor Island, offering direct access to the Grand River's main channel. The boat launch was built in 1962 and has seen several improvements over the years, including the paving of Coho Drive in 1994 and the expansion of the parking lot from 1998 to 2002. While the Harbor Island Boat Launch is usually open, there have been instances of delays due to rising water levels and necessary repairs. As of May 2023, the boat launch was still not fully operational, with only two ramps open, causing inconvenience to boaters and changes to event plans.

The Harbor Island boat launch was built in 1962 and is located on the northern side of Harbor Island

The Harbor Island Boat Launch in Grand Haven, Michigan, was built in 1962 and is located on the northern side of Harbor Island. It offers direct access to the Grand River's main channel.

In 1994, Coho Drive, which leads to the boat launch, was paved. From 1998 to 2002, further improvements were made, including expanding the parking lot, dredging to accommodate deeper-draft boats, and adding a public restroom. The boat launch fees are $10 or $15 per day, depending on the source. These fees help maintain the site. Seasonal passes are also available for residents and non-residents, with different rates for seniors.

The Harbor Island Boat Launch provides easy access to the Grand River for boaters and is a popular destination for recreational boating and fishing. It is essential to follow all boating laws and regulations, such as speed limits and pollution laws, to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the harbor and surrounding areas. Proper reporting procedures should be followed in the event of any spills or emergencies.

Additionally, there are nearby attractions and amenities, including parks, beaches, and local businesses, that contribute to the overall experience of visitors to Harbor Island and the surrounding Grand Haven community. The boat launch serves as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the area has to offer.

In 1994, Coho Drive was paved, and improvements were made from 1998 to 2002, including expanding the parking lot and adding a public restroom

The Harbor Island Boat Launch, located on the northern side of Harbor Island, was built in 1962. It offers direct access to the Grand River's main channel.

In 1994, Coho Drive, the road leading to the boat launch, was paved. This development made the boat launch more accessible to visitors. From 1998 to 2002, further improvements were made to enhance the facility's functionality and visitor experience. These improvements included:

• Expanding the parking lot: The size of the parking lot was increased to accommodate a larger number of vehicles, making it more convenient for visitors to find parking spaces.
• Dredging for deeper draft boats: Dredging activities were carried out to deepen the water, allowing boats with deeper drafts to navigate more easily. This improvement made the boat launch accessible to a wider range of boat types.
• Adding a public restroom: A public restroom facility was added to the site, providing a basic amenity for visitors and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

These improvements, completed over several years, aimed to upgrade the Harbor Island Boat Launch facilities and improve accessibility and convenience for boaters and visitors to the island.

The boat launch offers direct access to the Grand River's main channel

The Harbor Island Boat Launch, built in 1962, is located on the northern side of Harbor Island in Grand Haven, Michigan. It offers direct access to the Grand River's main channel.

The boat launch is accessible via Coho Drive, which was paved in 1994. From 1998 to 2002, improvements were made, including expanding the parking lot, dredging to accommodate deeper-draft boats, and adding a public restroom. The parking lot can accommodate a large number of vehicles, and there is a fee to use the boat launch, which helps maintain the site. The cost is $10 per day for boat launch or $15 per day, with different rates for residents, non-residents, and seniors.

The Harbor Island Boat Launch provides a convenient and direct entry point to the Grand River for boaters. It is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts, with six ramps available. However, in May 2023, only two ramps were operational due to repairs addressing erosion and damage caused by high water levels in 2020. The delay in completing the repairs was attributed to rising water levels in the spring of 2023. Despite the challenges, the boat launch still allowed small traffic, and the repairs were expected to be finished by mid-June.

The Harbor Island Boat Launch serves as a gateway to the Grand River, providing boaters with a direct route to the river's main channel. With its convenient location, ample parking, and well-maintained facilities, it is a popular choice for those looking to explore the waters of Grand River.

The launch cost is $10/day, with seasonal passes available for residents and non-residents

The Harbor Island Boat Launch, built in 1962, is located on the northern side of Harbor Island in Grand Haven, Michigan. It offers direct access to the Grand River's main channel. The launch cost is $10/day, with seasonal passes available for residents and non-residents.

The boat launch fees are as follows:

• Resident: $60
• Resident Senior: $45
• Non-resident: $70
• Non-resident Senior: $60

Seasonal passes offer a more cost-effective option for frequent visitors, particularly residents, as the daily launch cost is higher at $10. The seasonal passes provide unlimited access throughout the season, making it a convenient and affordable choice for those who plan to use the boat launch regularly.

The Harbor Island Boat Launch has undergone several improvements over the years. In 1994, Coho Drive, leading to the boat launch, was paved, and further enhancements were made from 1998 to 2002. These improvements included increasing the size of the parking lot, dredging to accommodate deeper draft boats, and the addition of a public restroom.

The boat launch has experienced some delays in opening for the season due to rising water levels. Repairs have been made to address erosion and damage caused by high water levels in 2020. Despite these challenges, the boat launch remains a popular destination for boaters, offering convenient access to the Grand River.

Delays in opening the boat launch in 2023 were due to rising water levels in the spring

Delays in opening the Harbor Island boat launch in 2023 were due to rising water levels in the spring. The boat launch was still not fully operational as temperatures began to climb and more boaters took to the water. Grand Haven's Public Works Director, Derek Gajdos, attributed the delay to early spring water levels that never receded. The high water levels caused erosion and damage to the launch, requiring long-term repairs.

Gajdos and his team were working to complete the repairs, which included pouring concrete to finish the ramp. While two ramps were open, there were a total of six ramps, with some still waiting to be installed. The launch could only accommodate small traffic at that time, causing inconvenience for larger events, such as a youth fishing tournament that had to be relocated.

The water levels in the spring of 2023 presented a challenge for the timely opening of the boat launch. The rising waters not only caused damage that needed to be addressed but also hindered repair efforts as unexpected rains raised the river levels again. This delayed the concrete work necessary to finish the ramp.

The total cost to repair the ramp was estimated at $65,000. To expedite the process, the team considered installing a special dam for a portion of the ramp, although this would significantly increase the overall cost. The Harbor Island boat launch was on track to be fully operational by mid-June, providing boaters with access to the Grand River's main channel.

The delays in opening the boat launch due to rising water levels in the spring of 2023 caused disruptions for boaters and organizers of aquatic events. However, with repairs underway and a potential mid-June completion date, the boat launch was preparing to welcome back boaters and resume its role as a gateway to recreational activities on the water.

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