Gateway dock ‘doesn’t tip anymore’

MARENGO — The boat dock in the lake at Gateway Park is steady and secure with the help of funding from Gateway Improvement Group and Iowa County Community Foundation.

“It doesn’t tip anymore,” said Iowa County Conservation Jacob Slings. “We added two hinges, and we fastened it to a concrete foundation.”

Two floats were replaced at the end of the dock. They were damaged and caused the dock to tip when someone walked to the end, said Slings. “[They would] bounce you around a little bit,” he said.

The dock wasn’t secured to the shore, and strong winds pushed it into the lake. Conservation staff would have to retrieve it, Slings said.

Securing the dock was the biggest help, said Chad Mattison, with Gateway Improvement.

The project was mostly maintenance and rehab, said Slings, but the results are noticeable.

Laura Sauser was instrumental in getting the $3,200 grant from Community Foundation, said Slings. Gateway Improvement gave the remaining $2,000.

The Iowa County Conservation Board consists of Chris Montross, of Millersburg; Rose Danaher, of Amana; Justin Parsons, of North English; Alan Schumacher, of Marengo; and Shane Phillips, of Williamsburg.

In addition to Gateway Park and Reserve, Iowa County Conservation maintains Lake Iowa Park near Ladora, Simmons Timber Reserve and Gunderson Wildlife Area outside Marengo, Pilot Grove State Preserve and Pheasant Ridge Wildlife Area near Williamsburg and eight other Iowa County properties.