Calhoun Windsurfers Fear Reduction In Usable Beach
The Lake Calhoun South Shore Parking and Plaza project, which Park Board staff is advancing without Park Board approval or public input, has been criticized by windsurfers who have numerous concerns about the project. Other members of the public have concerns as well. The following segment was aired June 12, 2009 on WCCO-TV.
Short video link: http://wcco.com/video/?id=61775@wcco.dayport.com
CALHOUN WINDSURFERS FEAR REDUCTION IN USABLE BEACH Reporting Darcy Pohland MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO)
They've been a big part of the Lake Calhoun summer scene for decades. But over the years, it's grown harder for windsurfers to get to the water in Minneapolis. CBS
Day after day of windy weather this spring is a dream for local windsurfers. They hit Lake Calhoun as soon as the ice was out in April.
But now, they're fighting a Minneapolis Park Board plan which they say would restrict their access to the lake.
"As we're sailing we can see people pointing at us and watching. It just adds some color and life to the lake," said windsurfer Mike Chummers.
They've been a big part of the Lake Calhoun summer scene for decades. But over the years, it's grown harder for windsurfers to get to the water in Minneapolis.
"Lake Harriet used to be a sailing lake. It isn't anymore. There was a sewer project, so that was eliminated as a sailing lake," said windsurfer Mariss Lansky.
Different underwater obstacles to stabilize the shoreline restrict sail board access to only the north and south beaches. Places with enough room for rigging equipment.
"We need an area like this to not interfere with the bikers and joggers and everyone else," said Chummers.
A park board plan to expand the south beach parking lot calls for a reconfiguration of the bike and walking path.
"And could potentially eliminate this site as a launch area," said Lansky.
Windsurfers worry that narrowing or eliminating the grassy area makes them a greater danger to those using the walking or bike paths.
The park board said it's worked hard to try to resolve the windsurfer's concerns and made several changes to the plan as a compromise.
"Our concern is that it really becomes part of real public input and not just some lip service with some of the windsurfers," said Lansky.
The plan will move the bike path 8 feet closer to the walking path for safety reasons. Construction is scheduled to start in the fall.