More than a decade ago—in November 1999—a handful of community members formed an informal Hovland Dock Committee, hoping to restore and preserve the historic structure in Chicago Bay. That effort did not gain much momentum, however over the last year the idea has been revived with oversight by the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC). A town meeting will be held Wednesday, October 28 at 6 p.m. at the Hovland Town Hall to give citizens the chance to learn more about the Hovland Dock Design Project.
The project is being spearheaded by the North Shore Scenic Drive Council (NSSDC), which along with ARDC has conducted an inventory of possible wayside rests along Highway 61. Five sites were identified as having historic significance and considered for potential improvements: the French River Fish Hatchery in St. Louis County; Two Harbors-Burlington Bay and Palisade Head in Lake County; the Tofte Park and Hovland Dock Historical Site in Cook County.
The Tofte Park and Gitchi-Gami Trail Design Projects have been discussed at Tofte town meetings. A final presentation will be held for that project on Thursday, October 29 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Tofte Town Hall.
The Cook County Historical Society is also interested in enhancing the shoreline space adjacent to the Hovland dock.
Short-term improvements discussed have been improving interpretive signage at the site; adding a picnic table; and making changes to increase accessibility. Long-term improvements under consideration include resurfacing the parking area; reinforcing the integrity of the dock; installing a vault toilet; constructing an open air shelter and more.
Community members who took part in the kickoff meeting for the Hovland Dock Design Project listed current uses of the dock area—a walking destination, a place for the community to have bonfires and roast hot dogs, a place for weddings and wedding photos, and a place for the Hovland Fire Department to get water for the tanker truck.
There is some concern by some Hovlandites that the design project could change the current usage of the dock area. Property owners on the Chicago Bay Road held a meeting of their own last month. Rick Schubert attended and said about 25 people were present and said most were opposed to changes that would create a Highway 61 rest stop at the site. Schubert said Chicago Bay homeowners are asking for a new plan.
The homeowners expressed concern that creating a rest stop would mean increased traffic at a dangerous intersection, curb and gutter on the road, increased lighting and possibly lead to closure of the dock. And, said Schubert, many feel a better place for a Highway 61 rest stop would be at the Horseshoe Bay safe harbor, about a mile away from the Hovland dock.
Reached by phone, ARDC Planner Andy Hubley told the Cook County News-Herald the Hovland dock area was selected because of the historic significance of the dock, even though it is unlikely that the dock can be listed on the National Historic Register because of modifications. Hubley said it is still notable that it is one of the last remaining vestiges of a historic transportation system on the North Shore. Hubley said the property and dock site are also the site of a significant story involving commercial fishermen, tragedy, and heroism. The story has been featured in regional, state, and national publications. “Due to these factors, ARDC feels the commercial fishing component of Hovland is regionally significant,” said Hubley.
In response to concerns that this could become a large wayside rest like the one recently constructed in Beaver Bay, Hubley said this is a pretty small site. “I don’t believe it will generate a lot of traffic.”
But it could enhance the North Shore Scenic Byway and therefore, Cook County’s tourism economy. He said it could give visitors another place to stop to learn more about the history of the county.
He added that the plan is “just an idea.” There is no construction funding at this time.
At the completion of the design planning, landscape design consultant C.J. Fernandez will supply digital and hard copies of final designs and recommendations in a Hovland Dock Design Project report, which will include meeting summaries and cost estimates. ARDC will assist in identifying potential funding avenues and grant opportunities available in order to complete any improvements to the site.
For more information about the plan, visit www.hovlanddock.org.
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