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Commission hears pitch from Let’s Go Fishing; staff asked to develop implementation plan
Summary
The Park and Recreation Commission heard a presentation from Mark Rangish of the nonprofit Let’s Go Fishing about accessible boating and fishing outings and directed staff to work with the group and return with a detailed implementation and funding plan.
The Forest Lake City Park and Recreation Commission on Monday heard a presentation from Mark Rangish of the nonprofit Let’s Go Fishing and gave staff direction to work with the group on a detailed implementation plan and funding approach.
Mark Rangish, who identified himself as working with Let's Go Fishing, described a program that runs chapters across Minnesota and Wisconsin and provides free boating and fishing trips for seniors, veterans, disabled residents and youth. "Last year, we took out 15,000 people fishing and boating for free," Mark said, citing the program's reach. The presenter described accessible pontoons that accommodate eight guests (two wheelchair spaces) and scheduled outings Monday through Thursday at several chapter docks.
Dave Adams, who introduced the item on behalf of staff, told the commission that Kyle had worked with the nonprofit and that staff recommended receiving direction from the commission before spending time developing a formal plan. "Our recommendation is just to give us staff direction to continue this on, work on a better implementation plan, to try to find sources of funding for that, you know, for a boat, for fishing tackle, for fuel," Adams said. Commissioners voiced general support during discussion and suggested local partners — including the VFW, American Legion and Rotary — could help recruit volunteers and donors.
Commissioners asked practical questions about volunteer needs and storage. Mark said a small local core (about 20 people) can launch a chapter quickly and that much volunteer recruitment is word-of-mouth. He explained chapter boats are usually stored at a private dock or picked up by volunteers and launched at a public boat ramp rather than being permanently docked at a city facility.
Next steps: staff will continue discussions with Let's Go Fishing and Kyle, seek potential local partners and funding opportunities, and return to the commission at a future meeting with a recommended implementation layout and timeline.
