Residents urge Salem Lakes to restore Rock Lake public pier at Wilson Runyard Park

Several residents told the Village of Salem Lakes board on May 19 they want the public pier and parking access at Wilson Runyard Park on Rock Lake restored, saying the facility had been donated for public use and that its removal has reduced lake access for nearby neighborhoods.

"When Wilson Runyard was around, he cared a lot about the people...part of his intention was that there be access," said Johan Eland, who identified himself as living on 2255 Avenue in Trevor and referenced the park on the southeast corner of Rock Lake. Dana Plemmons, whose address she gave as 25135 Runyard Way East in Trevor and who said she lives in Rock Lake Meadows, said the pier was "boarded off a long time ago" and that its removal has taken away a close access point for canoeing, kayaking and ice fishing.

Steve Arnold and other speakers said the pier had fallen into disrepair and that volunteers and previous trustees had intended the park and pier to be an entry point to the village to attract residents and businesses. Arnold said the pier area offers convenient parking and that local families and anglers rely on it.

Speakers said they had contacted planning and parks staff and requested action; Plemmons said she emailed the planning/park commission and that the board received the exchange. The items were raised during the public comment portion of the meeting; trustees and staff discussed public comment rules later in the agenda.

The board did not take formal action on the pier during the meeting. Officials said at different points that they would review requests and that park maintenance and restoration questions may require engineering review, funding and coordination with any applicable ordinances or state permits if wetlands are involved.

No schedule or cost estimate for pier replacement was provided at the May 19 meeting.