St. Feriole a hotbed for improvements
(Left to right) Nate and Nick Gilberts behind one of the tables they donated for riverside area on St. Feriole Island. The area, formerly a boating dock, now has space for additional tables and other possible structures. (Bottom) Exercise equipment installed at North Lawler Park on St. Feriole Island. (Steve Van Kooten/Courier Press)
By Steve Van Kooten
At Lawler Park, down where the edge of the Mississippi River and St. Feriole Island meet, visitors may have noticed a few new amenities, including two steel tables.
Nate and Nick Gilberts donated the tables, which sit by the multi-level steps descending into the river.
“This is a nice area. It used to be a boat landing, and it has a perfect view of the river right here,” said Nate.
Nick said the city is favoring equipment that is more durable, easier to maintain and offers different seating options.
“We’ve got enough benches,” he said. “I said, ‘Let’s start a picnic-table program,’ so this is the start of it. These tables have a 20-year warranty, so let’s say at year 19, the paint flakes off — this is dipped steel — we’ll take it back, and they’ll re-coat it.”
The Gilberts added that they want to see others contribute. They estimated that the area near the former dock could accommodate another eight tables.
“These are easy to get in and out of. We kind of hope that other businesses and organizations step up, and this will be a plaza for these exact tables in here, and down the line, it’d be kind of neat to get some string lights or something in here,” said Nate.
The city also recently added five pieces of exercise equipment along the river, including a rowing machine that looks out on the Mississippi.
According to Parks and Recreation Director Mike Wallace, the city purchased ExoFit Outdoor Fitness equipment with money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city ordered the equipment through Lee Recreation, which also supplies playground equipment.
“We decided to install the ExoFit equipment at North Lawler Park because we thought it would be a great way to incorporate the new walking trail,” said Wallace. “Plus, what a great view to enjoy while getting some exercise.”
He added that the Public Works Department poured the concrete slabs and installed the equipment, which is now available for public use.
The city also ordered an ExoPod that will be installed as part of the Fort Fun remodeling project.
