High water on the Ohio River swept away Manchester’s boat dock and handicap-accessible kayak launch last week, leaving the community without a key piece of recreational infrastructure. The docks, valued at approximately $75,000, broke loose from its moorings around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
The newer handicap-accessible kayak launch, installed in the summer of 2021 with state funding and the boat ramp, installed in the early 2000’s were part of Manchester’s efforts to enhance river access. The kayak launch was secured through a grant by the Manchester Council, providing a valuable recreational resource for residents and visitors alike.
A crew from Manchester pursued the drifting dock down the river. At one point, they managed to get a rope on it when it drifted close enough to shore. However, the current was too strong, and they were unable to secure it. As of press time, the dock’s location remains unknown, but local sources believe it may have been destroyed.
Councilman Troy Jolly expressed his frustration over the situation, emphasizing the loss of grant-funded resources. “It is a shame to have witnessed over $75,000 worth of docks just float away downriver,” Jolly said. He also noted that the docks had traditionally been installed by Memorial Day and removed after Labor Day to avoid damage from seasonal high water.
According to Jolly, there had been discussions within Manchester Village Council about removing the docks earlier, but the majority of Council Members wanted to leave them in the water. “It has been asked in Council meetings to have them taken out, and the consensus of the majority of Council Members was to leave them in,” Jolly explained.
In a December Council meeting, Parks and Recreation Chair and Council Member Christine Henderson shared that residents had requested the docks be left in place for fishing and duck hunting. “We will watch the weather to make the decision on when to take them out,” Henderson had reported.
During a January 21st Council meeting, Henderson announced that the docks were still in use. However, for reasons that remain unclear, the docks were not taken out, resulting in the loss during last week’s high water event.
The incident highlights the challenges of balancing community usage with seasonal safety precautions. As Manchester now faces the loss of a valuable recreational asset, Council members are left to assess the situation and explore potential options for replacement.
