Okoboji, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Imagine Iowa Great Lakes began work this week to repair the seawall at Arnolds Park.
The project will stabilize the foundation of the sidewalk and ultimately serve as a platform for the beautification work led by Imagine Iowa Great Lakes. The project intent is to stabilize the existing seawall by placing pervious lightweight foam concrete behind the seawall and constructing a sheet pile wall in front of the seawall to prevent scour. The existing sidewalk will be removed and replaced with a new ADA compliant concrete sidewalk. The project will enhance and maintain the beach feel of the area once completed.
DNR Director Kayla Lyon says the project exemplifies how the State of Iowa and nonprofits can join together to more efficiently deliver projects across the state. She says public-private partnerships allow the DNR to further their dollars and their impact.
When the engineering work is complete, the Imagine Iowa Great Lakes team will install a wooden boardwalk adjacent to West Lake Okoboji along with planting areas, brick pavers, a public art piece, and site furnishings that will enhance visitors’ experience in the project area.
The Imagine team says they’re grateful for the DNR’s prompt attention to this issue and the agency’s collaborative spirit. Michele Goodenow, Imagine Iowa Great Lakes executive director. says it’s because of these partnerships that the Iowa Great Lakes region is able to flourish and continually grow its tourism industry.
Repair work on the seawall is being led by Graves Construction Company, Inc., and is scheduled for completion by the end of December.
Photos courtesy of Imagine Iowa Great Lakes
