By CHRISSY PRICHARD

Express News Staff

The community of Beaver River celebrated the completion of a new 42-slip dock at a dedication ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 4. Located at Grassy Point, the dock can accommodate twice as many boats as the old one, and will give residents and the general public a place to park their boats when they visit Beaver River, which located on the Stillwater Reservoir and is accessible only by boat in the summer.

Over the past two years, the Beaver River Property Owners Association raised $30,000 for the project, and enlisted the help of numerous volunteers to complete the docks. Construction of the docks began on land last fall, and they were installed over the course of many work weekends earlier this summer.

For many years, boat parking at Grassy Point was done with a makeshift dock, constructed of a not much more than a huge log that boats could be tied to. In 1980, the log dock was replaced with a 23-slip dock. After 30 years of use, the dock had begun to deteriorate, and the BRPOA decided it was time to replace it.

The new dock itself is owned by the BRPOA, it sits on state-owned land, and the right of way is owned by the Town of Webb, so it was important to have all these organizations on the same page when it came to planning the project.

According Dock Chairman Don Phelps, about 945 man-hours went in to the project between hauling materials, building the structure, and clean-up.

Phelps, a seasonal Beaver River resident, worked on the design for the new dock and coordinated the acquisition of materials. At the dedication ceremony, he thanked everyone from the community and beyond who helped with the project.

“I’m just so excited that it’s finally done, and I’m so thankful for all the help and financial support,” he said.

The Thompson Family, who operate a barge on the Stillwater Reservoir, hauled about 10 loads of equipment and supplies to the location. Funding for the project was raised locally and contributions were made by Beaver River property owners, as well as those who enjoy visiting the area. Notably, the Buchholtz Family contributed $10,000 in memory of Mike Buchholtz, who passed away recently. His widow spoke at the ceremony, expressing what Beaver River meant to her late husband.

“I am so overwhelmed to see this project complete, and by the amount of work that went into it,” she said. “This was a piece of heaven on Earth for Mike, and I’m so happy that this will be a benefit to everyone that comes to Beaver River.”

About 15 memorial plaques have been placed on the dock, which were sold as part of the fundraising effort. Plaques are still available at the cost of $500 each, and can be purchased through the BRPOA.

According to Dennis Slater, BRPOA President, there has already been an increase in the use of the docks. Campers along the reservoir, area residents, and customers for the various eating and lodging establishments are welcome to use the docks. The dock is handicap-accessible and includes a loading and unloading zone. Docking is free of charge, and there is no time limit.

Everyone involved in the job was instrumental in their own way. This project is an example of tremendous teamwork, in a community that has the added difficulties of limited access and lack of electricity.

For more information on the dock, or to purchase a memorial plaque or contribute to the dock repair and maintenance fund, visit www.beaverriverpoa.com, or call Dennis Slater at (315) 376-4741 or (607) 326-7067.