BLOSSOM HEATH PIER
extension
BY ANNA SWARTZ
Bringing More of Lake St. Clair to You
S
t. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby sees the extension of the Blossom Heath pier as the solution to a problem.
“One of the complaints that we’ve gotten over the years is that we don’t have enough views of the water,” said Walby. “A lot of people don't have boats and access to the water.” The panoramic views, ability for better fishing and serenity for those who like to read or paint – these are just some of the experiences the pier will deliver to residents, Walby says. He believes the upgrade will enhance residents’ view of the city and access to the lake. “It will create...a destination. You don’t always have to go to a restaurant. You get an ice cream and head over to the pier...Everyone loves water.” The extension of the Blossom Heath Pier – 390 feet to be exact – into Lake St. Clair will likely be complete no later than September, according to Chris Rayes, ARPA / Special Projects Manager. The timeline began with a discussion in the summer of 2018, awarding the work to EC Korneffel in June 2021, with the project officially starting in September 2021. Rayes said that despite some delays, they’ve been trying to keep the project moving quickly. “It’s not just for residents,” Rayes says. “It’s also a draw to bring people to St. Clair Shores.” While Blossom Heath Park requires a resident pass, the pier has always been – and will continue to be – open to the public. The pier extension is primarily being funded by the Tax Increment Finance Authority with additional funds provided by the city of St. Clair Shores. Improvements don’t stop at the pier extension for Blossom Heath. Residents will enjoy new landscaping to the existing pier, new asphalt for the parking lot and a new dinosaur-themed playground within the residents-only Blossom Heath Park. Residents can also sponsor tables, benches and bike racks – contact SCS Parks and Recreation for more information at (586) 445-5350. While a water taxi is shown in some of the rendering drawings, Rayes said there isn’t an agreement with a service vendor at this time. However, the pier is designed so that it can accommodate larger boats in the future.
6 the shores
“IT’S NOT JUST FOR RESIDENTS. IT’S ALSO A DRAW TO BRING PEOPLE TO ST. CLAIR SHORES.” - CHRIS RAYES Parks and Recreation Director Henry Bowman sees the new, extended pier as a space for new opportunities, such as a place for live music. But another idea has Bowman even more excited: “I want to teach every kid how to fish.” He is picturing the pier as the perfect place for fishing derbies, with the potential for sponsors or guard shacks providing equipment for kids. Bowman grew up in St. Clair Shores and recalls bike rides with his neighbor to the Nautical Mile almost every day during the summer to fish. He wants to pass on that same joy he felt as a teen. “Living and growing up in St. Clair Shores, everyone needs to know how to fish,” says Bowman. He hopes to work with Michigan State University’s program, Project F.I.S.H., an educational program for youth and families. Bowman envisions an adult group learning everything they need to know about fishing, then passing on their knowledge to children. “You’ve got Nautical Mile, Blossom Heath, 9 Mile Fishing Pier, Lac St. Clair, Veterans Park. These are great places for people to learn how to fish.”
