May 28--Chicago boaters who want to check out the new Ferris wheel, grab a bite or make a pit stop will now be able to drop anchor at a new dock at Navy Pier.
Opening Saturday, the 200-foot-long and 10-foot-wide dock is on the south side of the pier, making the popular attraction accessible to recreational boaters. No commercial boats will be allowed at the dock, adjacent to the old Dime Pier, officials said.
"When people get on their boats, they want to have things to do," said Scott Stevenson, executive vice president of Westrec Marinas, which is under contract to manage the city's harbors. Boaters like to go sailing or anchor at the "playpen" party scene near Ohio Street Beach. "At Navy Pier, you've got great restaurants and attractions like the Children's Museum. Of course, boaters want to be able to pull up there and experience those things," he said.
Boaters will be able to dock there for free during the Memorial Day weekend, Stevenson said. Afterward, boaters will have to pay anywhere from $40 to $140 for three-hour increments, depending on the size of the boat and the day -- with the weekends being more expensive as well as Wednesdays when Navy Pier offers a fireworks show, he said. The fees will have to be paid via an app. Overnight stays and vessels bigger than 110 feet long are not allowed.
Navy Pier has been eyed as a site for boaters for years. At one point, the Chicago Park District almost went ahead with plans to build a marina at Navy Pier called Gateway Harbor the same time the city moved forward with plans for the 31st Street Harbor, which opened in 2012.
Stevenson said he got approval from Navy Pier and permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to operate the dock through September. Westrec paid $90,000 for the new dock, he said. Previously, the closest dock was DuSable Harbor half a mile away from Navy Pier.
"If this works and we're successful and it doesn't disrupt things at Navy Pier, I think it's likely we'll apply for a permit to do it in future years," Stevenson said.
When Navy Pier hosts the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Chicago in two weeks, the dock will be available to boaters who bought Boaters Pass tickets for the event, allowing them to visit the race village on Navy Pier and pick up guests.
Farther south at Monroe Harbor, a barge will provide boaters with a spot to party and watch the sailing competition on the water or from the jumbo video screen on the platform also where a DJ will set up shop for the Boater's Bash. Boats can link up to the platform, to floating buoys or to each other a few yards away from the racecourse.
The "infield party" is one way harbors are trying to engage and attract more boaters. Past efforts include a floating pool at 31st Street, where Salerno's Pizza will open a spot Memorial Day weekend to sell food but no alcohol yet, as well as the return next month of Harbor Fest, a boat show and music fest, at 31st Street.
lvivanco@tribpub.com
