Work would improve access to Cravath Lake
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A project aimed at improving access on a high-profile section of Cravath Lake is moving forward, following a recent decision by Whitewater officials.
The Common Council on March 17 voted unanimously in favor of awarding a $12,000 contract to engineering firm Strand and Associates. The firm will design the upgrades planned for an existing launch site.
“This project will improve access to Cravath Lake for recreational boaters and lake harvesting equipment,” Matt Amundson, parks and recreation director, said.
The city has included lake access improvements in its list of 2015 capitol improvement projects. At one point, plans had been in motion to seek grant dollars to bring the Cravath Lake effort to fruition.
“In 2014, we explored applying for a recreational boating funds grant for this work,” Amundson said. “The grant program requires a community to add parking as part of the project.”
After deliberations last year, appointed members of the city’s Parks and Recreation Board nixed the idea because of a perceived feeling the loss of green space would have a negative impact on the overall area.
In its current state, Amundson described the state of the boat launch as “poor.”
In addition to helping design the new boat launch site, staffers within Strand and Associates will assist the city in obtaining the necessary permits to be in compliance with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources standards.
According to documents submitted to the city by Strand staffers, plans call for the project to wrap by the end of the summer.
