Mayor Paul LeBine gave a brief speech, and the ribbon was cut by State Representative Greg Markkanen (R) of the 110th District.

“The pier is an expansion of our, much beloved, former dock said Mayor Pro-tem Will Lytle, “and as soon as it went into place, immediately the public started using it. We see kids spending a lot of time fishing, jumping off, boats launching from it.”

Access to the dock, Lytle said, is quite improved, with a clear pathway down to it. The pier is significantly larger than the previous dock, allowing for motorized boats to moor to it.

An added feature of the new pier that the previous one was missing is an independent unit for putting in canoes and kayaks.

Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Hancock’s new recreation pier offers far more than the previous dock, with a platform from which people can jump into the water, and a spot for mooring of larger motorized craft. The new pier also features an independent structure for launching kayaks and canoes, and is full accessible to wheelchair reliant paddlers.

Lytle said it is fully accessible, and is ADA (Americans with Disability Act) compliant.

Using the floating dock, a wheelchair reliant paddler can get into their craft, and also get back out safely, which is very important, said Lytle.

“Another great thing about this structure is,” he said, “number one, it’s durable, it’s built really well, but also, it caters to both silent sports, motor sports, it includes everybody.”

The synthetic decking is designed to withstand ultraviolet (UV) from the sun, and remain impervious to warping.

“Part of our master plan is to improve the facilities and infrastructure for the Keweenaw Waterway, so we’re hoping we’ll be able to tie in some primitive campsites for people who are kayaking around the Keweenaw. So, this would be a great place to start.”

The cost of the project came from taxpayer funding, Lytle said. About $280,000 came from the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Passport funds, there were some local matches by the Rotary and things like that, but most of the local match comes from the city of Hancock Recreation Millage. So, want people to use it.“