Detroit Lakes council accepts $25,000 donation for ADA‑accessible dock; city to partner on fishing pier access

Detroit Lakes City Council voted to accept a $25,000 donation designated to help fund an ADA‑accessible dock system and related accessibility improvements.

Dave Deason, a presenter for the dock project, told the council, “This $25,000 came as a donation from the Berry Foundation, of which Jason has been working in‑depth with them.” Deason and Jason Bridgelow described adjustments to the dock plan meant to improve accessibility: removing the fishing pier from the end of the DAV’s dock to make entry easier for boats and pontoons and exploring cooperation with a city fishing pier.

Councilmember Matt Wokey moved acceptance of the check “on behalf of the DAV, to help with the ADA dock system.” After a second and an affirmative voice vote, the motion carried. Council members thanked the presenters and noted the improvements would make the waterfront more accessible; one council member said, “there's gonna be a lot of handicapped people that are gonna enjoy this.”

Presenters said the $25,000 donation increases the project’s total to about $96,000 and that they are seeking matching grants and other donations. They also noted design work remains underway for a handicapped‑capable swimming area and that portions of the project may be built in separate locations to avoid congestion between kayaks and anglers.

The council accepted the donation during the meeting’s agenda item for outside presentations, and a brief photo opportunity followed. No additional funding commitments or construction timelines were approved at the meeting.