Home » News » New London News » Embarrass River boat landing discussed

Embarrass River boat landing discussed

Parks and Recreation Director Chad Hoerth reported that Shadows on the Wolf is proposing a boat launch on the Embarrass River in New London.

The proposed launch would be located near the old River Road Park-and-Ride off State Highway 54. The group is proposing to develop the launch near the old railroad abutment and use the old Park-and-Ride for parking.

Hoerth gave an update on the proposal to the city Parks and Recreation Committee last Tuesday, Feb. 3. He said Wayne Van Straten from Shadows on the Wolf, has been the primary contact representative for the group.

He said Shadows on the Wolf would develop the launch and donate the improvements to the city.

“Currently, the State Department of Transportation owns both areas,” said Hoerth.

In late January, he met with Van Straten and Patricia Massino from the DOT to discuss the potential project.

Hoerth said the city is an adjacent property owner (dog park parcel). They discussed the city purchasing the property from the DOT.

Massino informed them that since the proposal does not involve a transportation project, the property would more than likely need to be sold at market value.

Hoerth said Van Straten also expressed an interest in developing a handicap accessible fishing pier on the old railroad abutment.

Massino is going to figure out how the parcels lay out and get back to the city with a cost estimate.

Committee members agreed that that proposed project would benefit anglers and expand silent sport recreational opportunities in the area.

Hoerth said that currently boat access is limited on the Embarrass River in New London, often times because of a railroad bridge on the north end of Pfeifer Park. “We get several complaints a year that trees hang up on the bridge blocking the river, and then people can’t get through in boats,” said Hoerth.

Scroll to Top