Metro Jacksonville

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Can't wait to use it.  Do you know when it will be complete?  And will it have a low section for easy kayak/canoe launching?

Hopefully we can get a floating dock on the San Marco side at either of these locations:

Jim Rink Park
Greenscape Celebration Park
Riverfront Park

(http://i55.tinypic.com/2ibm1w2.jpg)

And then kayak across the river to RAM.

Then ... once Hogan's creek is cleaned up we would have San Marco - Riverside - Springfield connected by water.

It's going to be an 'L' shaped dock.  It was designed that way to slow down the current on the West side of the dock.  It will have a section reserved for the Water Taxi and the rest will be public docking(much like the floating docks at the Landing).  There is not a section specifically for kayak launching unfortunately.

We need to change that.  A blueway from RAM to the old Yacht Club site/canal in Avondale would be fantastic.

Quote from: dougskiles on January 02, 2011, 09:30:09 PM
Can't wait to use it.  Do you know when it will be complete?  And will it have a low section for easy kayak/canoe launching?

Hopefully we can get a floating dock on the San Marco side at either of these locations:

Jim Rink Park
Greenscape Celebration Park
Riverfront Park

(http://i55.tinypic.com/2ibm1w2.jpg)

And then kayak across the river to RAM.

Then ... once Hogan's creek is cleaned up we would have San Marco - Riverside - Springfield connected by water.

3 pocket parks which happen to be water front Public access street ends can have a pocket pier (floating dock) too. Just ask the candidates that are running in District 5. It can happen. And I hope it does. What a positive benefit.

Fieldafm, do have any copies of the design that you can post?  I love the idea of a blueway.  Noone and I were talking about the money available through F.I.N.D. for pocket piers.  I'm going to research it further.

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I don't care for boarding a canoe or kayak from a dock, I'd rather go native and launch from a shallow creek or beach. Craig Creek in San Marco's River Oak's Park gives us an unparalleled opportunity for a unique urban canoe and kayak launching facility. I wonder how difficult it would be to build a small parking area, and grade in a couple of loads of beach sand? Likewise Fishweir Creek likewise offers a great protected location for canoes and kayaks.
Keep in mind, the number of canoes and kayaks run slap over by power boats each year probably equates to the number of manatees killed in a similar manner! A peaceful protected launch site is better.


OCKLAWAHA

QuoteRiver Oaks Park
     1000 River Oaks Road   Mapit
Jacksonville, FL 32207
   

Acres:    10.26
Park Type:    Community
Council Person:    Art Shad
History:    River Oaks Park is situated along Craig Creek, in the San Marco section of Jacksonville. William Craig established a large plantation in the area around 1800. Developers of the River Oaks and the Brookwood Terrace subdivisions donated most of the park property to the City between 1935 and 1937. One block south of the park, lovely Oriental Gardens opened in 1937. The Works Progress Administration (WPA), established by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935 to provide public service jobs for the unemployed during the Great Depression, supplied the labor and most of the funding to create the park, which opened in 1940. Portions of the grounds form a flood plain, with areas of natural wetlands. Groups such as Greenscape of Jax and the Audubon Society have worked to enhance the park, whose stately trees and lawn provide a natural landscape and visual enjoyment for the residents and passing pedestrians and motorists.

I don't have the actual plans in hand, but here is what it should look like once completed.

(http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/articles/03_26_10/4a.jpg)

I agree with Ock that River Oaks would be grand... but Craigs Creek is shallow and quite a bit of work would need to be done to regulate more tidal movement into the creek.  That's getting into big money territory.

Here is a list of the current kayak/canoe launch sites in Jax.  This map should have double what it currently shows.  Maybe I'll make a photo presentation here of potential access points we as a community should be looking at.

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We could make a physical check on the creek and report back here. Those of you who are unfamiliar with the nautical characteristics of canoes and kayaks, 6" inches of water will usually float your boat. Anyone that doesn't think so has never made the Juniper Springs or Alapaha runs.

I agree with you that we need more access and the people that use canoes and kayaks have a different demographic then power boaters roughly 33% of canoe owners are in the $50,000 annual income, but only about 25% of power boat owners... This isn't to say there are good people on both sides, rather it illustrates there is a difference in the groups, canoeist and kayaking adventurers are more likely to be tree hugger's. When it comes to launching in an quiet urban neighborhood, tree hugger's would be preferred over rowdy and/or noisy power boaters.

The second argument in having a launch in the neighborhood is that canoes and kayaks don't necessarily need trailers and the big powerful vehicles that pull them.

Absoultey one should be at COLLINS ROAD and the Ortega River, and maybe under the Acosta.

OCKLAWAHA

Canoes and Kayaks accommodate spontaneous access to area waters for the broad public.
The design of these craft are ideal for area waters and well suited for low impact 'hand launch' facility.
Such craft have proven thrilling for many introduced to their use for the first time and many veteran boaters have opted for such craft.

Jacksonville is uniquely ideal for their use.Note too expansive areas to explore throughout the Intracoastal,State Forests and other venues handy to town.

Hands on review is available at Black Creek Outpost near St.Johns Town Center.The Outpost is located on a large lake-demo rides are encouraged.
Pier 17 at US 17/Lakeshore also has craft on display.

We all deserve a good paddling!  Try it-your life will be changed.And perhaps our neighborhoods too.

QuoteAbsoultey one should be at COLLINS ROAD and the Ortega River, and maybe under the Acosta.

Ringhaver(although you'll have to carry your kayak a good way through the asphalt trail) has a great floating dock at an EXCELLENT point along the Ortega.

A blueway linking this dock to a launching facility underneath the US17/Ortega River Bridge(supported by Pier 17) is beyond fathomable.

QuoteWe all deserve a good paddling!  Try it-your life will be changed.And perhaps our neighborhoods too.

Indeed!

Quote from: fieldafm on January 03, 2011, 02:06:10 PM

QuoteAbsoultey one should be at COLLINS ROAD and the Ortega River, and maybe under the Acosta.

A blueway linking this dock to a launching facility underneath the US17/Ortega River Bridge(supported by Pier 17) is beyond fathomable.

Brooks Busey-the owner of adjacent Sadler Point is now the owner of Pier 17-check in with him.
                                       
                                            brooks@sadlerpoint.com

Quote from: Ocklawaha on January 03, 2011, 11:18:18 AM
I don't care for boarding a canoe or kayak from a dock, I'd rather go native and launch from a shallow creek or beach. Craig Creek in San Marco's River Oak's Park gives us an unparalleled opportunity for a unique urban canoe and kayak launching facility. I wonder how difficult it would be to build a small parking area, and grade in a couple of loads of beach sand? Likewise Fishweir Creek likewise offers a great protected location for canoes and kayaks.

Someone told me recently that there is a little white dock near the mouth of Craig's Creek that is public.  It was built by an individual on city property and is therefore open to the public.  The owner knew this when he built it but figured it was cheaper to go this route than to buy property on the river just so he could have river access.  I am working to get more details/confirmation on this story.

(http://i52.tinypic.com/2nr3bl5.jpg)

River Oaks Park is grossly underutilized in my opinion.  It is a beautiful natural environment that should be more accessible to the community.  There are a series of wood bridges crossing the creek but the paths between them have overgrown.  These paths could be restored as a nature trail and connected to the streets that are perpendicular to River Oaks Road.

When the subdivision was originally platted it included a road along the park, Brookway Road, that was never built.

During the next low tide, I will paddle up the creek to see how far I can get in a kayak.

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Quote from: dougskiles on January 03, 2011, 06:59:46 AM
Fieldafm, do have any copies of the design that you can post?  I love the idea of a blueway.  Noone and I were talking about the money available through F.I.N.D. for pocket piers.  I'm going to research it further.

You can find the dock designs on this link (pages 21-26 of pdf)

http://www.coj.net/NR/rdonlyres/ezle26wsatuenknhgc6rzsr5ghyxoyf6mwj3s7rc43yn5vbb4xc5h4tur7yep7ixullw2ga7iovldmguvisrj2zsnve/DDRB+March+2010+Meeting+Packet.pdf

Thanks.  I found something a little troubling on page 13 of the application... a gate?  So will it only be available to the public on Saturday mornings while the RAM is open?

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Since that lot is leased to Fidelity Financial to use as parking during the week, where would kayak paddlers park during the week?

Maybe it's only going to open Saturdays and Sundays.

Riding by on New Years Eve, I wondered the same thing. AFAIK the closest next parking are the garages (which are private) and the Red Cross (which is private). I suppose one could park off street around the corner and lug their kayak, but that's not really what I call "fun". Crossing Riverside Ave empty handed is dangerous as is on non-RAM days.

I assume that most of the use would be on the weekend or holidays.  And it might not be as much of a launching point as it would be a destination for kayakers to access the riverwalk.  The presentation to JEDC states:

Quote
In addition, the proposed dock project is consistent with the Downtown Action Plan Initiative #4 (Create a Riverwalk Enhancement Plan) and Initiative #19 (Create More Marine-Themed Activities and Improve Marine Linkages).  A key component of Initiative #4 is to develop great access to the Northbank Riverfront Park from the water, which this project does.  Initiative #4 is all about enhancing the Northbank Riverfront Park and Southbank Riverwalk to be easily accessible, provide a diverse and high quality setting for residential, entertainment, cultural and recreational experiences.

But the gate may remain locked except during RAM hours of operation.  I am doing some research on this.  If anyone knows more about it, please chime in.

Looking at the aerial and plat maps of Riveroaks Park, it looks like White Oak, Riverwood, Green Bay or West Cove Lanes might each offer a chance at access to an area where a small parking lot and turn-around could be built at the end of whichever road fit the need the best. THEN add some beach sand, and a drying or stacking rack, gazebo or roofed picnic pavilion, grill, and tiny beach on Craig's Creek and damn! What a sweet place it would be.

OCKLAWAHA

Smaller,compact waterways are enchanting.Resource managers are aware of their appeal even in the face of adjacent larger water bodies.

The photos of Juniper Run in this post depict the very most  upper and narrow reaches-it's about as tight as it gets-I have made this run in a too large 16' touring kayak and it still can be reasonably handled and a great joy.Juniper is yet another version of so many regional waterways that originate in such tight quarters and eventually open up.

And the cost and impact of a sand beach and a couple of parking spots nearby has to so low that it is the best bang-for-the-buck project for water access that there is.  By contrast a boat launching ramp is very expensive and can have a bad impact on a neighborhood.

Nothing more than a floating dock with a lower section for stable entry & exit from the kayak:

http://www.kay-akcess.com/ (http://www.kay-akcess.com/)

We could probably establish a couple of parking spaces, trail, sand beach and maybe even a picnic pavillion for the cost of the floating dock.  Standard Kay-aKcess Launch: 8' x 12' floating dock with 8' x 36" launch platform is $3478 dollars with other Dock Sizes (larger) Available. Craig's Creek would be preferable but failing that or Fishweir one would have to use a floating type. BUT, Doug is right, there is really no safe way to launch from a damn seawall. Riverside Art Market and/or San Marco-South Jacksonville could put the floating launch to good use. Maybe the best location in town for such a thing would be Marco Lake on Largo Road... Again, a beach is better but this thing might work in the old rock quarry.


OCKLAWAHA

And why,one could ask,have we the River City not pursued the hand launched Blueways??

In a positive vein,it is because only fairly recently have these myriad small craft been developed.Their recent advent spurs their appreciation,user constituency and interest in accommodation.

Quote from: dougskiles on January 04, 2011, 01:42:21 PM
Nothing more than a floating dock with a lower section for stable entry & exit from the kayak:

http://www.kay-akcess.com/ (http://www.kay-akcess.com/)

Great post Doug. I contacted Susan and was telling her all about the potential of a kayak launch in Jacksonville somewhere. I told her that we have a mayor race and city council race in 3 months. Leadership will make it happen.

This should be one of the biggest city council issues in Dist. 14 and 5. It won't happen in Dist.4 or7 unless there is new leadership. Don't know about the other council districts yet. I mentioned to Susan about FIND Florida Inland Navigation District.

Its obvious-USE the RIVER
Vote for someone who will Make it Happen.
Keep score.

RAM could add this later.
I've emailed every councilmember about 2010-856. Be concerned for a true BLUEWAY to happen and everyone in Jacksonville to have the opportunity to access, promote, celebrate and preserve our St. Johns River our American Heritage River an amendment needs to be attached to 2010-856 that would exempt not only Downtown but the Waterways too.

I traded a few emails with Eric Lindstrom from JEDC:

Quote
Doug: Initially, the use of the dock will be tied to RAM and special events occurring under the Fuller Warren Bridge and the riverwalk. FDEP has prohibited access to it during non-event occurrences, which is a condition of the permit the City received from them on the docking facility. FDEP had serious concerns about impacts to the manatee and this is a condition we had to agree to to obtain authorization for the dock. I hope to relax these restrictions in the future when we can show the use doesn’t cause the concerns that are currently envisioned by them.

Eric then sent me a link to contact DEP and express concerns:

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ps/default.htm#9 (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ps/default.htm#9)

I sent them an email this morning and hope that many of you will also.

Quote from: dougskiles on January 08, 2011, 07:37:16 AM
I traded a few emails with Eric Lindstrom from JEDC:

Quote
Doug: Initially, the use of the dock will be tied to RAM and special events occurring under the Fuller Warren Bridge and the riverwalk. FDEP has prohibited access to it during non-event occurrences, which is a condition of the permit the City received from them on the docking facility. FDEP had serious concerns about impacts to the manatee and this is a condition we had to agree to to obtain authorization for the dock. I hope to relax these restrictions in the future when we can show the use doesn’t cause the concerns that are currently envisioned by them.

I believe we may find that the science,manatee tracking studies could show a concentration at this sensitive "funnel" area.
Remember too another excellent source of information on this-Duval County Manatee expert and representative Quinton White/newly established Marine Lab.  --- Quinton White  qwhite@ju.com ---

****Yet again another giant cause for applauding the promotion and use of  low/no impact hand launched,hand propelled small craft.
Perhaps routine year round acceess to such facility limited to such craft.Try that one on for size.****

Quote from: north miami on January 08, 2011, 09:57:47 AM
****Yet again another giant cause for applauding the promotion and use of  low/no impact hand launched,hand propelled small craft.
Perhaps routine year round acceess to such facility limited to such craft.Try that one on for size.****

I'll take it.  Boats with motors are just too noisy for me and they scare away all of the things I want to see when I'm out on the water.

It would be very simple to restrict power boat access to event periods and provide year-round access to hand launched vehicles by having the kayak launch close to the riverbank and then having the gate between the kayak launch and the boat dock.

(http://i55.tinypic.com/ziqfqe.jpg)

Quote from: dougskiles on January 08, 2011, 01:18:43 PM

Quote from: north miami on January 08, 2011, 09:57:47 AM
****Yet again another giant cause for applauding the promotion and use of  low/no impact hand launched,hand propelled small craft.
Perhaps routine year round acceess to such facility limited to such craft.Try that one on for size.****

I'll take it.  Boats with motors are just too noisy for me and they scare away all of the things I want to see when I'm out on the water.

It would be very simple to restrict power boat access to event periods and provide year-round access to hand launched vehicles by having the kayak launch close to the riverbank and then having the gate between the kayak launch and the boat dock.

(http://i55.tinypic.com/ziqfqe.jpg)

It would be interesting to know of any such arrangement throughout Florida.I am thinking Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Office of Boating and Waterways.

This is going to get interesting.

Quote from: dougskiles on January 08, 2011, 07:37:16 AM
I traded a few emails with Eric Lindstrom from JEDC:

Quote
Doug: Initially, the use of the dock will be tied to RAM and special events occurring under the Fuller Warren Bridge and the riverwalk.

RAM-501-c/   Special events-Entertainment District-Be concerned

Another reason why the Promised 680' Downtown Pier needs to be separate.

Also an amendment to 2010-856 to not only exempt Downtown but the Waterways of the St. Johns River our American Heritage River. The legislation is still pending action.

Be concerned.
Keep score.

Check this out over in ALACHUA, COUNTY, ordinances on power craft... How hard would it be to duplicate this specific to the floating dock, We could toss in the rest of the paddling world of Duval too...

Hogan's, Mc Coy's, Big and Little Fishweir, West Branch, Cedar Creek,
Little Broward, Mink Creek, Mill Branch, Deese Creek, Pumpkin Hill Creek, Sawpit Creek, Gunnison Creek, Simpson Creek, Willow Branch, Myrtle Creek, Deep Creek, Sand Creek, Haulover Creek, Garden Creek, Sisters Creek, Horseshoe Creek, Clapboard Creek, Cabbage Hammock Creek,  Grandaddy Branch, Samples Creek, Burton Creek, Edwards Creek, Starrett Creek, Boathouse Creek, Cedar Swamp Creek, Boggy Branch, Buck Head Branch, Sawmill Slough, Ryal's Swamp Branch, Ginhouse Creek, Jones Creek, Cowhead Creek, St. Johns Creek, Shipyard Creek, Colorinda Creek, Mud Flats Creek, Tiger Pond Creek, Silversmith Creek, Miller Creek, New Rose Creek, Christopher Creek, Goodby's Creek, Gum Swamp Run, Sweetwater Creek, Oldfield Creek, Comorant Creek, Durbin Creek, Deep Bottom Creek, Plummers Creek, Pirates Cove, Fishing Creek, Butchner Pen Creek, Williamson Creek, Wills Branch, Bulls Bay Creek, Sixmile Creek, Little Six Mile Creek, Mc Girts Creek, CFirst Puncheon Branch, Wolf Creek, Strawberry Creek, Red Bay Branch, Newcastle Creek, Edenfield Creek, Mill Dam Branch, Pablo Creek, Open Creek, Sandy Run, Cemetery Creek, Caldwell Branch, Brandy Branch, Thomas Creek, Seaton Creek, Inconsternation Creek, Deep Creek, Moores Branch, Garden Creek, De Blieu Creek, Kestner Creek, Greenfield Creek, Mt Pleasant Creek, Hogpin Creek, Cradle Creek, Hopkins Creek, Nine Mile, Half Creek, Gulley Creek, Moncrief Creek, Fishing, Blockhouse, Deer, Craigs, Big and Little Pottsburg Creek south of Beach, Little Trout River, the Ortega River south of Collins, Cedar River north of San Juan, etc...

Wow, that was fun...

Quote
CHAPTER 114.  WATERWAYS AND BOAT RAMPS*

__________
*Cross references:  Canals, ch. 53; health and safety, tit. 7; surface waters and wetlands, ch. 359; boat docks, § 393.05; waterfront properties, § 393.39.

__________

Sec. 114.01.  Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(a)   Motorboat  shall mean any vessel which is propelled or powered by machinery and which is capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
(b)   Operate  shall mean to navigate or otherwise use a vessel.
(c)   Person  shall mean an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, or other entity.
(d)   Vessel  is synonymous with "boat" as referenced in section 1(b), article VII of the Constitution of the State of Florida, and includes every description of watercraft, barge, and air boat, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.
(Ord. No. 89-13, § 1, 8-22-89)
Cross references:  Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 10.02.

Sec. 114.02.  Purpose of chapter.
The board of county commissioners finds that the operation of motorboats and other motorized watercraft on the lakes, and bays leading to lakes, located in unincorporated Alachua County, in areas where congestion is likely to occur or is occurring, poses a safety problem requiring the establishment of speed zones in order to protect the lives and property of all persons operating such craft, and those who might come in contact with such craft.
(Ord. No. 89-13, § 1, 8-22-89)

Sec. 114.03.  Creation of dangerous wake.
Within the unincorporated territory of the county, no person shall operate a motorboat or watercraft while propelled by a motor or engine, within the area encompassed by an "Idle-Speed/No-Wake" sign, at a speed greater than "idle-speed/no-wake," or at any speed greater than that speed that is necessary to maintain steerage, until such motorboat or watercraft has passed a sign facing the operator of the vessel reading "Resume Normal Safe Operation," or the next posted speed designation. The Alachua County Department of Public Works shall be responsible for posting signs as provided for in this chapter at such specific sites within the unincorporated area of Alachua County as expressly directed and authorized by the board of county commissioners.
(Ord. No. 89-13, § 1, 8-22-89; Ord. No. 95-5, § 1, 4-18-95)

Sec. 114.04.  No-wake zones on Melrose Bay.
The board of county commissioners finds that a safety hazard exists with the operation of motorboats and watercraft on Melrose Bay, requiring the establishment of speed zones and placement of "idle-speed/no-wake" signs at all points of entry into Melrose Bay. The Alachua County Department of Public Works is authorized and directed to post and maintain the appropriate regulatory signs to implement this provision.
(Ord. No. 95-5, § 2, 4-18-95)

Sec. 114.05.  Noise and exhaust control.
The provisions of F.S. § 327.65(2)(a) and the standards set forth therein are incorporated herein by reference and such standards shall govern noise pollution and exhaust control of all vessels operated on the lakes, bays, and channels leading into lakes located in Alachua County; such standards shall also apply to any vessels operated in any harbors or dock areas located on lakes located in Alachua County.
(Ord. No. 89-13, § 1, 8-22-89; Ord. No. 95-5, § 3, 4-18-95)
Cross references:  Noise control, ch. 110.

OCKLAWAHA

Quote from: dougskiles on January 03, 2011, 03:49:58 PM
Thanks.  I found something a little troubling on page 13 of the application... a gate?  So will it only be available to the public on Saturday mornings while the RAM is open?

(http://i54.tinypic.com/vfcsr4.jpg)

Just saw this. This is why even though on the surface that you think you are getting all this access to our river. There are potential pieces of legislation that has the potential to restrict our access. The gate being only opened when RAM is open.  Why? I know temporary because of FDEP.

2010-604 - The Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier/ Bay Street Pier Park/ Jacksonville's Tradeport Pier. This is why the pier needs to be separate and outside the control of JEDC. The pier could be open 24 hours. Why not? What a potential TOURISM hub that would create.

2010-856 Transient vendor ban. Collateral legislation on statewide designation of Blueway Paddling trail. Will 501-c's be exempt?

Just heard on WTLV that this Sat. Mayor Peyton will be arriving by boat to open this new floating dock and the additional opportunity that this will provide to everyone to access, promote, celebrate and preserve our St. Johns River our American Heritage River. Congratulations to all who made it happen.

QuoteFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         
Contact:  Ginny Walthour, (904) 630-2518
                walthour@coj.net

                                                           

MAYOR PEYTON AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS CORRIGAN AND JONES TO OFFICIALLY OPEN NEW FLOATING DOCK ON NORTHBANK RIVERWALK

Floating dock to allow boaters to access to Riverside Arts Market (RAM)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 1, 2011 â€" Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton and City Council members Michael Corrigan and Warren Jones will join members of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the Public Works and Recreation and Community Services departments, and members of the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) and the St. Johns Riverkeeper to officially open the new 200-foot L-shaped floating dock on the western end of the Northbank Riverwalk.

WHEN:            Saturday, March 5 10:30 a.m.

Mayor Peyton and other dignitaries to arrive by boat.

(Immediately following the floating dock ceremony, Mayor Peyton will walk to main stage of RAM for opening day celebrations.)


WHERE:         Northbank Riverwalk (in front of LPS building) 601 Riverside Ave.

The new 200-foot long L-shaped floating dock with a 40-foot long gangway attached, adjacent to the northern approach to the Fuller Warren Bridge, will be open for boaters wishing to access the Riverside Arts Market and the Northbank Riverwalk from the St. Johns River. LPS has been an instrumental partner in the construction of the dock. The $395,000 project was funded by the JEDC’s Northbank Tax Increment fund.

Would i be able to put my kayak in there?

On the weekends, yes.

During the week, the gate will be locked.  It's a condition from the State of Florida(for the protection of manatees).  GG, call the Parks Dept.  I really want to get the permit modified to allow useage/access for hand launched craft, but it's going to take some effort and community voices to lend a hand.

Part of the problem with access is that the whole area is used for parking by FDS during the work week.  There simply isn't parking available for watercraft delivery there.

There might also be restrictions on use during the week in the lease that FDS has with the FDOT for security and liability reasons.

Congratulations to everyone involved with this project. Heard Wayne Wood on the radio yesterday. Today is Maritime history on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River.

Just think of what true access can bring to our Downtown core as these clusters of piers are expanded.