Members of LLRC move boathouse contents to temporary storage in preparation for July demolition of existing boathouse.
July is a big month at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park. Not only are both Lake Lanier Rowing Club and Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club continuing their regular training and competitive events, but the venue is also hosting community events and will begin demolition of the old boathouse to make way for new facility.
“Everyone’s been busy preparing for demolition,” says Robyn Lynch, Gainesville’s director of tourism. “That has meant clearing everything out of the boathouse, including all the boats, furnishings and offices for both clubs, stabilizing the site with construction fencing, and bringing in temporary offices for the clubs. It’s been a big endeavor.”
Equipment has been moved to four large containers and the clubs will be sharing a construction trailer that will be used as offices.
In the midst of preparation and moving, both clubs have continued their summer schedules, hosting out-of-town teams training at the facility and conducting “learn-to” educational on-the-water events.
Community events include Food Truck Fridays, the second Friday of each month; the next one is July 8 with food and beer trucks, music and retail vendors.
The annual Beach Bash is slated for Friday, July 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. and includes an inflatable waterslide, games and sand play area. Food trucks and beer/wine vendors will offer dinner options and there will be Hula Hoop and Limo contests starting at 6 p.m.
Preparation is underway for September’s 25th Annual Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, September 10.
The new pavilion is scheduled to be delivered in October on the tower side of the venue and more of the sidewalks will be complete by the end of the year.
“It’s been a huge endeavor to get ready for construction, but for all of us, we’re carrying on business as usual as much as possible,” Lynch said. “It’s just part of our growing pains; we are all so excited to see everything that’s taking shape.”
For more information, visit www.exploregainesville.org.
