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Coos Bay commission backs ODFW plan for ADA fishing dock at Johns Hopkins/Midlake
Summary
The Parks Commission recommended approval of an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife plan to install an ADA‑compatible fishing dock at Midlake (Johns Hopkins Park), noting the project is fully funded by ODFW’s R&E program and that the city will maintain the structure under a memorandum of understanding.
The Coos Bay Parks Commission voted to recommend approval of an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) proposal to install an ADA‑compatible fishing dock at Midlake, also referred to in meeting materials as Johns Hopkins Park.
Greg Hamblett, city staff, summarized the project and the funding source, saying the installation “will be fully funded by the R and E program.” ODFW representatives explained the design is intended to improve bank angling opportunities for people who do not use boats and to provide inclusive access for anglers with disabilities. An ODFW presenter noted the dock design was identified in the agency’s angling plan and that R&E funds — derived from an angling‑license surcharge — are available to implement the dock before June 2025.
Commissioners asked technical questions about water depths, how the dock will perform during lake level fluctuations and how close accessible parking will be to the dock. ODFW staff said the project manager surveyed water depths and sited the dock near an old channel to reach deeper water; city staff agreed to evaluate whether additional accessible parking stalls should be placed closer to the proposed dock during implementation.
The commission moved to recommend approval and the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said they will forward the commission’s recommendation to the public works director, and that a memorandum of understanding will define city maintenance duties for the structure.
Vote at a glance: motion to recommend approval — passed by voice vote (no roll‑call recorded).
