The city of Superior is looking for ideas to revamp the Arrowhead Pier.
The 20-year-old pier created from the 1920s-era Arrowhead Bridge between Superior and West Duluth has seen better days.
The pier closed in October, and repairs this spring might get the pier through another season, said Mary Morgan, Parks and Recreation administrator. However, the city's goal is to begin a major project to replace the pier by 2009.
The council has committed $450,000 in city capital improvement money to the project in its next budget cycle, between 2009 and 2011. A survey also revealed the majority of users live in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, making the project eligible for funding through the Community Development Block Grant. Other grants Morgan plans to apply for could also help with costs to replace the deteriorating pier.
"We need to limp through another season," Morgan said.
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During that time, Morgan said AMI Engineering of Duluth will work on a plan to replace the existing pier. First, she said, ideas are needed to create something people want to use.
The first of two public hearings starts at 6 p.m. today at the Superior Public Library. The second, to be held at the Billings Park Civic Association, hasn't been scheduled yet.
"We're going to look at inviting the public to tell us: 'What is it you can't live without, in terms of that pier?' " Morgan said. " 'What must you have?' ... The second question is: 'What would you like to see ideally surrounding it? What kind of amenities would you like to see?' "
Discussion will include the configuration of the pier such as the height from the water, shape, benches, railings and lights and other amenities such as parking, the boat launch and other facilities.
"We've had some feedback from members of the Douglas County Fish and Game League that perhaps the launch should be separated -- farther away from the pier," Morgan said.
In August 2006, a survey of 173 users of the pier revealed a variety of wants, including more benches, an extended pier, separation of the launch and pier and a host of other amenities.
"For 20 years, it's served us on pilings constructed in the 1920s, so it's time to rehab it," Morgan said.
For those who can't attend tonight's meeting, a special e-mail address has been established for public comment. Send comments to arrowheadpier@ci.superior.wi.us .
