April 25, 2024
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Ottawa approves contract to design fishing pier at Allen Park

Pier would be accessible to people using wheelchairs

By Michael Urbanec

The city of Ottawa completes work on its Allen Park sidewalk project on Monday, June 13, 2022. The Ottawa City Council approved construction that will lead to the rebuilding the sidewalks along the Illinois River at Allen Park. The sidewalk has been closed since last June when it was noticed parts of it were sinking into the Illinois River because of the deteriorating concrete. The City Council now is seeking design work for a fishing pier at the park. (Scott Anderson)

The Ottawa City Council approved a $24,750 agreement Tuesday to have Chamlin and Associates design a new wheelchair-accessible fishing pier at Allen Park.

While the measure passed, it did not pass unanimously: Commissioner James Less voted against it citing the need for a master plan to rehabilitate the whole park.

“I do have concerns on the cost of a fishing pier,” Less said. “Down there, it’s going to have to withstand the flooding river and second, we’ve already done some work down at the riverfront with work on the shoreline and putting the sidewalk in. When it comes to submitting for grants, it kinds of operates on a point system.”

Less said new amenities will add points to whether the city receives a grant and he doesn’t want to see the city checking off items on a list without having a plan for future development in place. Having a plan in place would make the city more attractive for grants in the future.

Commissioner Marla Pearson said this isn’t to start work on the fishing pier, but to create a design for the fishing pier.

“This is a very big park with a huge scope,” Pearson said. “I don’t think we’re jeopardizing any grants. I think what we need to do is start off with safety and I think putting in sidewalks is a good amenity to have at this point.”

Mayor Dan Aussem said the idea for the pier is to be accessible for those using wheelchairs who would like to fish.

Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut said there’s already a fishing pier on the far east end of the park that’s been there for years, through floods and everything else so he isn’t concerned about a new pier standing up to a flood.

The agreement passed with the lone no vote coming from Less, although this agreement is for the creation of a plan rather than the construction of the pier itself.