Spotlight on Access: Skyway Marina
One of Ohio’s largest public boating access facilities, which was opened to boaters and the public in 2008, is the Skyway Marina located along the Maumee River in downtown Toledo. The $6.3 million project is part of a brownfield redevelopment plan and funded in part with a $326,500 Boating Infrastructure Grant that previously had been awarded to the Division of Watercraft by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“This is a major boost for recreational boating in northwest Ohio and a much needed project to enhance public boating access to the far western basin of Lake Erie,” said Phil Miller, manager of the Division’s resource planning section.
Skyway Marina features 74 new floating transient slips, which are intended for short-term usage by nontrailerable boats. Each slip is serviced by 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service and running water. Marina amenities include boat fuel, waste pumpouts, restrooms, showers and a small retail store.
A $3.2 million commercial passenger ferry dock operated and managed by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority is part of Skyway Marina and soon may host regular service from downtown Toledo to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island.
The marina’s meeting rooms are utilized by civic groups such as local boating clubs. The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority offices also are located at Skyway Marina. The City of Toledo through its Parks and Natural Resources Division offers boating safety education courses and a basic water safety program for children as well.
A key feature of Skyway Marina is that it provides boaters and other guests easy access to boating, fishing, dining and other downtown entertainment. For more information and to make docking reservations, call 419-691-BOAT (2628) and visit online at www.ci.toledo.oh.us |